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Caroline13 Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

I'm afraid of + gerund

"I'm afraid that he might/will get angry" are often employed but would it be correct to say "I'm afraid of his getting angry?"

and could a present tense be used : "I'm scared the building blows up or might/will blow up" ?

thank you guys for taking the time to answer all our questions, it's very generous of you!! Emotion: wink
  

Top answer

I'm afraid of his getting angry -- Fine English I'm scared the building might/will blow up-- What I have left is fine. No present tense here, but there are situations where it can be used: 'I'm afraid he is seeing another woman'; 'I'm afraid she talks too much'-- these are ongoing events which one can fear. A present explosion leaves no time for fear.

— Mister Micawber

  • I'm afraid of his getting angry -- Fine English I'm scared the building might/will blow up-- What I have left is fine.
  • No present tense here, but there are situations where it can be used: 'I'm afraid he is seeing another woman'; 'I'm afraid she talks too much'-- these are ongoing events which one can fear.
  • A present explosion leaves no time for fear.
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1 Answers
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I'm afraid of his getting angry -- Fine English

I'm scared the building might/will blow up-- What I have left is fine. No present tense here, but there are situations where it can be used: 'I'm afraid he is seeing another woman'; 'I'm afraid she talks too much'-- these are ongoing events which one can fear. A present explosion leaves no time for fear.
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