I am afraid to do something = I don't want to do it because it is dangerous or the result could be bad. We use afraid to do for things we do intentionally: * A lot of people are afraid to go out at night. (= they don't want to go out because it is dangerous--so they don't go out) * He was afraid to tell his parents about the broken window. (= he didn't want to tell them because he knew they would be angry)
I am afraid of something happening = it is possible that something bad will happen (for example, an accident). We do not use afraid of ~ing for things we do intentionally:
* The path was icy, so we walked very carefully. We were afraid of falling. (= it was possible that we would fall--not 'we were afraid to fall') * I don't like dogs. I'm always afraid of being bitten. (not 'afraid to be bitten')
So, you are afraid to do something because you are afraid of something happening as a result: * I was afraid to go near the dog because I was afraid of being bitten.
B. Interested in (do)ing and interested to (do)
I'm interested in doing something = I'm thinking of doing it, I'd like to do it: * I'm trying to sell my car but nobody is interested in buying it. (not 'to buy')
We use interested to especially with hear/see/know/read/learn. I was interested to hear it = 'I heard it and it was interesting for me': * I was interested to hear that Diane has got a new job. * Ask George for his opinion. I would be interested to know what he thinks. (=it would be interesting for me to know)
This structure is the same as surprised to/delighted to... etc. : * I was surprised to hear that Diane has got a new job.
C. Sorry to (do) and sorry for (do)ing
We usually say sorry to... to apologize when (or just before) we do something: * I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to talk to you. We use sorry to (hear/read etc.) to show sympathy with somebody : * I was sorry to hear that Fiona lost her job. (= I was sorry when I heard ...) You can use sorry for (doing something) to apologize for something you did before: * (I'm) sorry for shouting at you yesterday. (not 'Sorry to shout ...')
You can also say: * (I'm) sorry I shouted at you yesterday.
D. Note that we say: I want to (do)/I'd like to (do) but I'm thinking of (do)ing/I dream of (do)ing I failed to (do) but I succeeded in (do)ing I allowed them to (do) but I prevented them from (do)ing
Exercise 1: Read the situation and use the words in brackets to write a sentence with afraid. 1. I don't usually carry my passport with me. (I/afraid/lose/it) 2. The sea was very rough. (we/afraid/go/swimming) 3. We rushed to the station. (we/afraid/miss/our train) 4. In the middle of the film there was a particularly horrifying scene. (we/afraid/look) 5. The glasses were very full, so Jane carried them very carefully. (she/afraid/spill/the drinks)
Exercise 2: Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets. 1. a. Fred failed ------- the problem. (solve) b. Amy succeeded ------- the problem. (solve) 2. a. I'm thinking ------ away next week. (go) b. I'm hoping -------- away next week. (go) c. I'm looking forward ------- away next week. (go) d. I'd like ------- away next week. (go) 3. a. Mary wanted ------ me a drink. (buy) b. Mary promised ------ me a drink. (buy) c. Mary insisted ------ me a drink. (buy) d. Mary wouldn't dream ------- me a drink. (buy) 4. a. We wanted ------ the building. (leave) b. We weren't allowed ------ the building. (leave) c. We were prevented ------ the building. (leave)
Exercise 3: Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets. 1. I'm sorry _for shouting_ at you yesterday. (shout) 2. Sorry --- you but have you got a pen I could borrow? (disturb) 3. Sorry --- late last night. I didn't realize the time. (be) 4. I'm sorry --- what I said yesterday. I didn't really mean it. (say) 5. 'I've just had my exam results. I failed.' 'Oh? I'm sorry --- that.' (hear)
Exercise 4: Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets. 1. a. We wanted _to leave_ the building. (leave) b. We weren't allowed --- the building. (leave) c. We were prevented --- the building. (leave) 2. a. Fred failed --- the problem. (solve) b. Amy succeeded --- the problem. (solve) 3. a. I'm thinking --- away next week. (go) b. I'm hoping --- away next week. (go) c. I'm looking forward --- away next week. (go) d. I'd like --- away next week. (go) 4. a. Mary wanted --- me a drink. (buy) b. Mary promised --- me a drink. (buy) c. Mary insisted --- me a drink. (buy) d. Mary wouldn't dream --- me a drink.
Harry: I'm afraid to do this stunt. Mitch: I know you can do it. You practiced a lot, right? Harry: Yes, but I'm afraid I might fail. Mitch: Come on. Don't be such a baby! We wouldn't want the people waiting. Harry: I'm really scared of doing this stuff, do you think I'll make it? Mitch: I know you can! I believe so. Now do it will ya? Harry: Ok here goes nothing! Wish me luck. Mitch: Ok. Break a leg!
1.Have you done a daredevil act? If so, what is it? 2.What can you say about those people engaging into dangerous things and sports? 3.Do you ever wish you could do something dangerous like bungee jumping?
