045. I’m afraid...
恐怕……

[句型解析]
当要拒绝对方的要求，告诉别人一个令人不愉快的事实，或者不同意他人的观点时，使用句型“I’m afraid...”能使语气婉转，避免双方的尴尬。

[实例]
1. I’m afraid you didn’t quite get his meaning.
恐怕你没有十分明白他的意思。
2. A: Could I speak to Elizabeth, please?
请找伊丽莎白。
B: I’m afraid she is not in at the moment.
对不起，她不在。
3. I’m afraid we are going to be late.
恐怕我们要迟到了。
4. I’m afraid I can’t make it.
恐怕我干不了。

[实战练习]
Policeman: OK, stop right there you thief! Don’t Move!
警察：站住，你这贼！别动！
Bank Manager: Don’t shoot!
银行经理：别开枪！
Policeman: Put your hands over your head and don’t make any sudden move.
警察：举起手来，别乱动。
Bank Manager: Look, officer, I’m afraid you have the wrong person. I’m the bank manager, not the thief.
银行经理：警官，恐怕你真的认错人了，我是这儿的银行经理，不是贼。
Policeman: Are you sure? Oh, I’m sorry. I’m afraid I’ve made a terrible mistake.
警察：是吗？噢，真对不起，我怕是弄错了。
Bank Manager: Well, you still have a chance to get your man. I saw somebody carrying a bag full of money running that way.
银行经理：不过，你依然有机会抓住他。我见有人拿着装满的钱袋从那边跑了。