What does I am afraid to say mean?

I'm afraid

This page is about the conversational phrase I'm afraid

Meaning

You can use this when saying something that might disappoint, upset or sadden someone.

For example

• "We'd like a room for the night, please."
  "We're fully booked, I'm afraid."
  
  
• "I'm afraid I've got some bad news. Your sister's been in an accident."
  
  

Quick Quiz

My doctor said, "I'm afraid it's serious." He was telling me

a. my illness was serious

b. it wasn't too serious

c. he was frightened of it

a

Contributor: Matt Errey

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From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary EnglishI’m afraidI’m afraidspokenFRIGHTENED used to politely tell someone something that may annoy, upset, or disappoint them  That’s the most we can offer you, I’m afraid.I’m afraid (that)  I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong address.  ‘Is she very ill?’ ‘I’m afraid so (=yes).’  ‘Did you see him?’ ‘I’m afraid not (=no).’ → afraidExamples from the CorpusI’m afraid not• "Have you got change for £20?" "No, I'm afraid not."• "Are you coming to the barbecue tomorrow?'' "No, I'm afraid not. I've promised to go and see my Mum.''

What is difference between "I'm afraid to say" and " I regret to say"? Is there any differences between "I'm afraid to say" and "I regret to say"? If any, what sentences should I use them naturally ?

used for politely telling someone something that might make them sad, disappointed, or angry, for example when you cannot do what they want or do not agree with them

Things haven’t been going very well here, I’m afraid.

I’m afraid (that):

I’m afraid that I can’t accept this job.

I’m afraid to say (that):

I’m afraid to say I found the book very dull.

I’m afraid so:

‘Did he forget to do it?’ ‘I’m afraid so.’

I’m afraid not:

‘Will John be there?’ ‘I’m afraid not.’