Why do the English say "sorry I am afraid that...."
When I call enquiring for a flat that was advertised, I get a reply saying "sorry I am afraid the flat has been let." Why is the term "afraid" used here???
2006-10-31 10:31:09 · 11 answers · asked by Annielist vs Schindlerslist 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
It is a common term used. Not because they are afraid of you or afraid to let it to you. This is also an easy excuse.
2006-10-31 10:33:12 · answer #1 · answered by SAM M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't you ever use that phrase? I use it all the time! And I'm not British, btw...Born & raised here in the U.S.
I say things like, "I'm afraid that time slot is no longer open" when booking meetings for my boss, or "I'm afraid we don't have any guest offices available" when we have an executive visiting from another location.
Afraid doesn't imply a phobia, or vampires in the next room. The phrase, "I'm afraid", is a general replacement for "Unfortunately," or "Sadly,". I highly recommend you try it out! It can be a nice way to mix up your vocabulary!
2006-10-31 18:43:04 · answer #2 · answered by abfabmom1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An excellent and though provoking question.
As well as the "I'm afraid that~" type of sentence, people will also sometimes use the word "fear" instead, for example.
"I fear this may be so Miss Haversham, it would appear that ALL of the lupins have been stolen"
"Really Mr. Spong?"
"Indeed, I am afraid so"
2006-10-31 18:43:50 · answer #3 · answered by Mark T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are trying to soften the impact of the bad news they are about to give you. They don't want you to feel angry about what they are about to tell you.
I wish more Americans would say that. I say it myself, but a lot of people here would just bruskly say something like "No, that one's already rented out."
2006-10-31 18:40:58 · answer #4 · answered by Jazz In 10-Forward 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The English tend to soften the impact of what they are about to say. They are very polite. So they use such terms.
(It's in general, but quite true)
2006-10-31 19:20:57 · answer #5 · answered by Offkey 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because we do. It is a filler word, just like the Germans would say Das is aber gut.
2006-10-31 18:33:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because they are sorry the person wasted their time- or got thier hopes up- for something that is no longer available.
2006-10-31 18:32:55 · answer #7 · answered by Mommyk232 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They are delivering bad news to you so they preface it with that phrase because they don't like to be the bearer of bad news.
2006-10-31 18:32:41 · answer #8 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think its just a way to say "i am sorry" ...like im scared to tell you this b/c i dont want you to be dissappointed....
2006-10-31 18:32:56 · answer #9 · answered by fooluvver 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
just a way to say sorry
2006-10-31 18:34:13 · answer #10 · answered by Cranberry 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋