AFRAID TO vs AFRAID OF : difference and use explained

-The use of ‘AFRAID TO’ tells us what we are afraid to do. It focuses on the action.
It indicates a reluctance to perform an action.

-The use of ‘AFRAID OF’ tells us why we are afraid, or explains the cause of fear.
We are scared of something, or of what might be the consequence of an action.

AFRAID TO: focuses on the action.
'Afraid to' is followed by a verb that completes the full infinitive form "to... "

• Dad is afraid to drive in the snow.
• Alice is afraid to walk home alone.
• My mother is afraid to drive on the motorway.
• Emily is afraid to speak in front of the class.
• Some people are afraid to talk to strangers.
• Others are afraid to try new activities.

AFRAID OF: explains the reason for our fear.
'Afraid of' can be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing).

• Lou is afraid of wasps. She is afraid of being stung by a wasp.
• The boy is afraid of the dog. He is afraid of being bitten.
• Some people are afraid of spiders, or mice or snakes.
• My sister is afraid of heights.
• Young children can be afraid of the dark

More examples:

• Anna is afraid to swim in the ocean because she is afraid of sharks.
• The child is afraid to turn off the light because he is afraid of the dark.
• Dad is afraid to drive on icy roads because he's afraid of having an accident.
• The boy is afraid to tell his father because he is afraid of making him angry.
• Elsa is afraid to reply because she is afraid of giving the wrong answer.
• Hugo is afraid to climb up to the top because he is afraid of heights.
• Sam is afraid to leave the main road because he is afraid of getting lost.
• The girl is afraid to go to school because she is afraid of being bullied.
• James is afraid to dance because he’s afraid of looking ridiculous.
• Sophie is afraid to say what she thinks because she is afraid of hurting her friend’s feelings.
• Linda is afraid to park in the underground car park because she’s afraid of being attacked.

Please note:
There are other ways to express fear. We can also say :
○ I’m afraid this old car will break down on the way.
○ We’re afraid the product may be discontinued.