- A polite way to ask for permission to do something. Similar to Would you mind if I...? but slightly less formal.
- Literally asks Does it bother you if I...?
Explanation
Origin
- Uses the present tense Do instead of the hypothetical Would, making it slightly more direct than Would you mind if I...? but still polite due to the structure asking about objection (mind).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Is it cool if I...?
- Can I...? (Very common informally)
- Okay if I...?
Vulgar/Emphatic: (Not applicable for polite permission requests)
Milder / More Formal:
- Would you mind if I...?
- Might I...? (Very formal)
- I was wondering if I could possibly...
Situational Appropriateness
- Very versatile. Good for most situations from informal to semi-formal. Suitable for asking peers, strangers (in casual contexts), etc.
- Would you mind if I...? might be preferred for very formal situations or when speaking to someone of significantly higher status.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Same critical warning as for Would you mind...?: The No response means permission is granted. Emphasize that No = No objection.
Examples
- Do you mind if I open the window?
- Do you mind if I join you?
- Do you mind if I use your phone quickly?
Dialogue
Student A: Do you mind if I borrow your notes? I missed yesterday's class.
Student B: No, not at all. Just make sure I get them back before the lecture.
Student A: Definitely, thanks a lot!
Social Media Examples
- (In a shared document comment): Do you mind if I tweak this paragraph slightly?
- (Asking an artist): Do you mind if I share your artwork? I'll give full credit of course!
Response Patterns
- Permission granted (meaning No, I *don't* mind): No, not at all. / No, go ahead. / Please do. / Of course not. / Sure.
- Permission denied (meaning Yes, I *do* mind): Actually, I'd rather you didn't. / Sorry, but... / Yes, I do mind, actually... (This is quite direct).
- ***CRITICAL POINT FOR LEARNERS***: Same confusion potential as Would you mind...?. No means No, I don't mind, you have permission. Yes means Yes, I do mind, please don't.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After permission granted: The asker usually says Thanks! or Cheers! and then performs the action.
- After permission denied: The asker usually accepts politely, Okay, no problem. or Alright.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, used to initiate an interaction when seeking permission.
Intonation
- Polite tone, rising intonation at the end.
- Do you MIND if I OPEN the window?
Generation Differences
- Universal.
Regional Variations
- Universal.