核心问题
“Well, I'm afraid we have to go now.” “Oh, do you have to?” “Yes, I'm afraid so.”
上句中的 so 是个什么词？它所包含的内容是什么？
词典解答
上句中的 so 叫做替代词,它替代的是一个从句:I'm afraid so. = I'm afraid (that) we have to go now.
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Oxford is likely to win the next boat race. All my friends say so. = All my friends say that Oxford will win the next race. 牛津大学队可能在下一届赛船比赛中取胜。我所有的朋友都这么说。
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“Is it true that she has had a heart attack?” “I’m afraid so./I think so.” “她得了心脏病，是真的吗?”“很遗憾，是真的/我想是真的。”
(参见 don't expect so, I hope not, I suppose not, think , not )