- A very polite way to ask someone if they object to doing something (Would you mind + verb-ing...?) or if they object to the speaker doing something (Would you mind + if I + verb...?).
- It literally asks Would it bother you if...?
Explanation
Origin
- Uses the modal verb would in a hypothetical sense (If I asked you to do this, would it bother you?) combined with the verb mind (to object to or feel annoyed by).
- This indirectness makes it very polite.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal: (Requests are usually more direct)
- Can you close the door?
- Is it cool if I sit here?
Vulgar/Emphatic: (Not applicable for polite requests)
Milder / Even More Polite:
- I hope you don't mind, but could you...?
- Would it be too much trouble if I asked you to...?
- Would you be terribly bothered if I...?
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in almost all situations, especially when politeness is required (formal settings, speaking to strangers, superiors, or asking for a significant favor).
- Can sometimes sound overly formal in very casual settings among close friends.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The biggest issue is the No meaning Yes, I agree/permit it response pattern (No = I don't mind). Non-native speakers often get confused whether No means the person refuses. Clarify that No, not at all or No problem means the person agrees to the request or gives permission.
Examples
Asking someone to do something:
- Would you mind closing the door?
- Would you mind helping me carry this?
- Would you mind speaking a bit more quietly?
Asking for permission:
- Would you mind if I sat here?
- Would you mind if I borrowed your pen for a second?
Dialogue
Context
(Asking someone to do something)
Passenger 1: Excuse me, would you mind swapping seats so I can sit with my wife?
Passenger 2: Oh, no, not at all. Go right ahead.
Passenger 1: Thank you so much!
(Asking for permission)
Colleague 1: Would you mind if I turned up the heating? It's freezing in here.
Colleague 2: No, please do! I'm cold too.
Colleague 1: Thanks.
Social Media Examples
- (In a forum): Would you mind sharing the link to that article?
- (Direct Message): Hey, sorry to bother you, would you mind if I asked you a quick question about the project?
Response Patterns
To Would you mind [doing something]?:
- Agreement (meaning I *don't* mind, I will do it): Not at all. / No, of course not. / Sure. / Okay. (Then performs the action).
- Refusal (meaning Yes, I *do* mind): Actually, I would mind... / Sorry, but... (This is less common; people usually agree unless there's a strong reason).
To Would you mind if I [did something]?:
- Permission granted (meaning No, I *don't* mind): No, not at all. / No, go right ahead. / Please do. / Of course not.
- Permission denied (meaning Yes, I *do* mind): Actually, I'd rather you didn't. / Sorry, but...
***CRITICAL POINT FOR LEARNERS***: A positive answer (Sure, Okay) to Would you mind closing the door? means Yes, I will close it. A *negative* answer (No, not at all) also means Yes, I will close it (because I don't object). This confuses many learners. The key is that No means No, I don't mind.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After agreement/permission: Requester says Thank you or Thanks.
- If asking someone to do something and they agree: They perform the action.
- If asking permission and it's granted: The asker performs the action.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, often used to initiate an interaction when a request is needed.
Intonation
- Polite, gentle tone. Rising intonation at the end.
- Would you MIND closing the DOOR?
- Would you mind if I SAT here?
Generation Differences
- Universal, understood and used by all generations as a standard polite form.
Regional Variations
- Universal in English.