看過很多人對這兩個短語的辨析,但都覺得解釋得不很到位,甚至會有種越看越糊涂的感覺.兩個短語都有“不敢去做某事”的意思,但be afraid to do sth.真正的意思是“害怕做某事”,也就是主語對做某事內心感到恐懼；be afraid of doing sth.表示主語內心里不情愿做某事,也可以說是不希望發(fā)生某事,但自己不一定能避免它.例如：
He was afraid to go out alone at night.(他害怕晚上獨自外出.暗含的意思是“他對于晚上獨自外出缺乏安全感”.)
He came late to school and was afraid of being scolded by the teacher.(他上學遲到了,害怕被老師吵.暗含的意思是“他不情愿被老師吵”.)
用“不敢.”來辨別這兩個短語很能說明問題.
He is afraid of being beaten by his father.他怕被他爸打.（不是他敢不敢的問題,他是不情愿.）
He is afraid to touch the snake.他不敢碰那條蛇.（他內心里恐懼蛇.）