student asking question

Does "I'm afraid ~" expression is used as a polite expression? Could you give some more examples?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

You are correct! You use this expression when you have to politely decline/reject someone's request, or to politely apologize for something. Ex. I'm afraid we don't have any more yellow shirts in your size. Ex. I'm afraid I don't understand. Ex. I'm afraid our store closes in ten minutes.

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