The pattern

"Do you mind if I" plus a verb is the polite, careful way to ask permission. "Do you mind if I open the window?" asks whether it would bother the other person. It is softer than "Can I", and it fits situations where your action affects someone: sitting next to them, taking a call, bringing a friend, recording a meeting.

The answer is the tricky part, because "mind" means "object to". "No, not at all" means yes, go ahead. "Actually, I'd rather you didn't" means no. If you answer "Yes" you are saying you do object. Learners mix this up often, so practice the replies as much as the question.

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

  7. The standard "yes, you may". It literally means "I don't object".

  8. The polite "no". Firm but not rude.

  10. "Would you mind" plus -ing asks someone else to do something.

Check yourself

1Someone asks "Do you mind if I sit here?" You're happy for them to sit. What do you say?
2Which is the polite way to refuse?
3How do you ask someone ELSE to do something?

Practice · 3 min

Ask carefully, and answer clearly. Prompt on the left, one natural sentence on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.