afraid of doing something and afraid to do something

[Enjoyenglish]

Hello. What is the difference between "afraid of doing something" and "afraid to do something", please?
http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/afraid?q=afraid

 

[Rover_KE]

Not much ... in any in those examples.

 

[Skrej]

Note this is a very similar question to the one you posted here.

Since you've asked this twice, perhaps a bit of explanation is in order. You may be aware that 'to do' is called an infinitive, and 'doing' is called a gerund. Certain verbs can be followed by either a gerund or infinitive with little difference in meaning.

See item 14 here for an explanation of those minor differences. (cease doing/cease to do - from your other similar post)

See here for for examples of adjective + prepositions followed by gerunds (afraid of doing) . The simple rule is that gerunds (versus infinitives) are used after prepositions.

See here for examples of 'be + adjective' combinations followed by infinitive (afraid to do). There are many 'be + adjective' expressions which are followed by infinitives. Although 'be afraid' isn't on the list, it falls into this category.