I'm afraid no vs i'm afraid not

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I'm afraid not' is the more common and idiomatic expression used to politely disagree or give a negative response. On the other hand, 'I'm afraid no' is less common and may sound a bit awkward or less natural in English.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 607 views

I'm afraid no

This phrase is grammatically correct but less commonly used in English.

This phrase can be used to express a negative response or disagreement, but it is less common than 'I'm afraid not.'

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm afraid no intruder leaves this place without a memory wipe.
I'm afraid no one can do that.
I'm afraid no one really takes me seriously.
Sir! I'm afraid no alcohol is allowed off the premises.
Once the shackle is activated, I'm afraid no one can get in or out.
I'm afraid no one is going to miss you, Mr. Darwell.
I'm afraid no one rides it anymore, despite millions in government subsidies.
I'm afraid no one rides it anymore
I'm afraid no one is going to miss you,
I'm afraid No. 1 isn't ready in return.
And most welcome, Matron, but I'm afraid No. 1 isn't ready in return.
I'm afraid no one's allowed in there now.
I'm afraid no one is available.
I'm afraid no can do.
I'm afraid no one rides it anymore
Now, if you're following the maths, I'm afraid no one else comes along that's better than anyone you've seen before, so you have to go on rejecting everyone and die alone.
You can scream all you wish, Miss Ritchi! I'm afraid no one can hear you!
Now, if you're following the maths, I'm afraid no one else comes along that's better than anyone you've seen before, so you have to go on rejecting everyone and die alone.

Alternatives:

I'm afraid not
No, I'm afraid
Unfortunately not
Regrettably no
Sorry, no

i'm afraid not

This phrase is a common and idiomatic way to politely disagree or give a negative response.

This phrase is used to politely disagree or give a negative response to a statement or question.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm afraid not, Mr. Arden.
I'm afraid not, Ms. Calhoun.
No, I'm afraid not.
I'm afraid not, Ambassador.
I'm afraid not, Major.
I'm afraid not, sir.
I'm afraid not, Mr. Castle.
I'm afraid not, First Enchanter.
I'm afraid not, might need talking to.
I'm afraid not, Miss Lance.
I'm afraid not, dear.
I'm afraid not, Captain.
I'm afraid not, Your Honor.
I'm afraid not, Your Honor.
In some cases, I'm afraid not.
I'm afraid not, Jackson.
I'm afraid not, Aunt Rosamund.
I'm afraid not, Mr. President.
I'm afraid not. I've closed the area.
I'm afraid not, he's out for a meeting.

Alternatives:

No, I'm afraid
Unfortunately not
Regrettably no
Sorry, no
That's not the case

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