I'm afraid not

[Vivek]

Test No. errors/elem-9 "Sorry, Wrong Number", question 2

I'm afraid so. I don't know Anna's telephone number. As a matter of fact, I don't know any Anna, either.

(a) so
(b) any
(c) either

Test No. errors/elem-9 "Sorry, Wrong Number", answer 2

I'm afraid not. I don't know Anna's telephone number. As a matter of fact, I don't know any Anna, either.

Correct entry: not
The error was: (a) so

You have not found the error.
I'm afraid so. I don't know Anna's telephone number. As a matter of fact, I don't know any Anna, either.
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Hi,

Whats the meaning of "I am afraid not". Why Mike say so.

thanks
Vivek

[Alan]

Hi,

The difference here is that I'm afraid so means: Yes, I'm sorry that's true. I'm afraid not means: No, I'm sorry that's not true. Imagine this conversation between A and B about an exam result. B has failed the exam.

A So you've failed your exam, have you?

B Yes, I'm afraid so.

or

A So I suppose you have passed your exam, have you?

B No, I'm afraid not
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English as a Second Language
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