Is it afraid of or afraid from?

Always use 'afraid of.' 'Afraid from' is incorrect in English. Example: 'I'm afraid of spiders' (correct), NOT 'I'm afraid from spiders' (wrong).

Why do people say 'afraid from'?

This error often comes from directly translating from other languages (like Arabic, Hebrew, or some European languages) where the equivalent of 'from' is used with fear. In English, we always use 'of' with afraid.

Afraid Of or Afraid From: Which Is Correct?

Quick Answer

Afraid of = ALWAYS correct ✓

Afraid from = ALWAYS wrong ✗

Explanation

In English, "afraid" is ALWAYS followed by "of" when expressing fear of something.

afraid + of + noun/pronoun/gerund

Why this mistake happens: Many languages use "from" with fear (Arabic: خائف من, Spanish influence, etc.). But English always uses "of" with afraid.

Similar adjectives that use "of":

scared of, frightened of, terrified of, fond of, proud of, aware of, tired of, jealous of

Examples

✔I'm afraid of spiders.

✔She's afraid of flying.

✔They're afraid of the dark.

✔He's afraid of making mistakes.

✔Don't be afraid of asking questions.

✘I'm afraid from spiders.

✘She's afraid from failure.

Other Uses of "Afraid"

afraid + that clause

"I'm afraid that I can't come." (worried/sorry about something)

afraid + to infinitive

"She's afraid to speak in public." (too scared to do something)

"I'm afraid so / I'm afraid not"

Polite way to confirm bad news: "Is it raining?" - "I'm afraid so."

Practice

Fill in with the correct preposition:

"My little brother is afraid _____ dogs, but I'm not scared _____ them at all."