Do You Mind? (Meaning and Use)

Vocabulary / By

“Do you mind” is an inquisitive way to get another person’s permission. The intention behind using it can have positive or negative connotations. The tone and inflection are evident in how a person chooses to deliver it.

While it’s not a difficult thing to learn, there is a nuance for it to be appropriate and correct. However, “do you mind” is often spoken rather than written.

The Meaning of “Do You Mind?”

When someone wants to ask permission, they will say, “do you mind?” But, this comes with a bunch of nuances depending on the context of the conversation. Sometimes it can be sincere while at other times it could be sarcastic or humorous.

But, it could also be an expletive for surprise or alarm at the actions of another person. This is particularly true when someone is mindless, rude, or being inappropriate. In this way, “do you mind,” is an ironic turn of phrase to denote surprise, frustration, annoyance, or other similar emotion to a particular situation.

Understanding “Do You Mind?”

The only sure way to comprehend the question “do you mind” is by studying it in action. However, please note that you can add “not” or the contraction “don’t” to indicate the same thing depending on the context.

Positive

Do you mind if I come along?

Don’t you mind the noisy construction outside?

I’ll take this cookie from you if you don’t mind?

Do you mind if I smoke a cigarette?

I’ve been studying for eight hours straight. Do you mind if I sleep for a little while?

Negative

Do you mind? I’m trying to sleep!

I was sitting in that chair! Do you mind?

Do you mind shutting the door? I’m naked here!

She was in the kitchen before you decided to come in, do you mind?

Don’t you mind how he constantly nags and harps all the time?

We were walking through the revolving doors and one guy just burst in without noticing us standing there. So, we both shouted at the same time, “Do you mind?”

Conclusion

“Do you mind” is a question people ask when they wish to get permission from another person. While this can be a positive and thoughtful inquiry, it can also indicate sarcasm and irony. This is particularly true when another person is doing something thought to be rude, annoying, frustrating and etc.

 

Conor
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