I feared that vs I'm afraid that

Both "I feared that" and "I'm afraid that" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "I feared that" is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation, while "I'm afraid that" is a more common and informal way to express fear or concern.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1282 views

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday conversation.

"I feared that"

This phrase is more formal and can be used to express fear or concern about something that happened or might happen in the past.

Examples:

I feared that I had lost my wallet.
She feared that the storm would cause damage to her house.

Show examples from the web [+]

I feared that, with this case, you had certain sensitivities.
I feared that y would not give us your blessing.
When I read it I feared that CSR in Europe was instead falling down a black hole.
For some time, I feared that we were gravitating towards a contradictory consensus, where everyone would reject this directive: some because they wish to have freedom of movement, others because they wish to have the freedom to impose a ban.
I intended to have them scraped and oiled before auction, but I feared that would do little to improve their natural odor.
Mr President, I feared that no one else would come out in favour.
we altered the story and I feared that she got angry itself.
I feared that the implementation of the idea as proposed by the European Commission would encounter problems, but I am glad that Parliament dealt with them.
Mr President, I feared that, after having denied us the right to table amendments, you were also denying us the right to speak.
I feared that you were dead.
- It is, I feared that.
I feared that someone born of such dark things would consume me were I not careful.
I suppose I feared that it wouldn't depict me in the best possible light.
I mentioned at the end of my speech on Pinochet that I feared that the British Government was about to do a deal to let him go.
I feared that I would not. I feel... sorry!
I didn't want to see you after all this time when I wasn't myself, not like this, and perhaps, I feared that I might be desperate to kiss you, which I clearly can't do whilst occupying someone else's lips.
Christine, I feared that if I married you I would cheat on you later
I feared that there was some possibility of this debate being taken before 8 p.m., thus denying me this immense pleasure.
I feared that, in my speech here, I would have to pass on a few complaints, for they are obviously brought to my attention.

Alternatives:

I was afraid that
I was worried that
I was concerned that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday conversation.

"I'm afraid that"

This phrase is more informal and can be used to express fear or concern about something that is happening or might happen in the present or future.

Examples:

I'm afraid that I can't make it to the meeting tomorrow.
She's afraid that she won't pass the exam.

Alternatives:

I'm worried that
I'm concerned that
I'm scared that

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I feared that vs I'm afraid that

"I feared that"

"I'm afraid that"

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