Meaning
A polite way to ask someone to do something or to seek permission, literally meaning 'would it trouble you if...?'
Primary Function
Polite request/permission frame
Communicative Purpose
To ask someone to do something or ask if something is okay
Pattern
Would you mind; if I
Core Structure
Would you mind; if I
Função primária
Polite request/permission frame
Propósito comunicativo
To ask someone to do something or ask if something is okay
Situações de gatilho
Requests, permissions, favours
Contextos
Professional, everyday polite interactions
Padrão
Would you mind; if I
Estrutura central
Would you mind; if I
Slots de substituição
a gerund phrase (e.g., closing the door) or an if‑clause (e.g., if I opened the window)
Colocados típicos
- closing the door
- turning down the volume
- opening the window
Substituições comuns
- Do you mind if I…
- Would you be so kind as to… (more formal)
Erros comuns
Using the infinitive: 'Would you mind to close' — incorrect; must use gerund.
Similar / contraste
Could you... (more direct), Is it okay if... (casual)
Interferências
In many languages a positive answer like ‘No, not at all’ signals permission; English learners must understand that silence or no response does not imply approval.
Família do chunk
- Deferential requests: I don't suppose you could...
- Do you mind my asking...
Nuance
Extremely deferential; literally means 'does it bother you?'
Efeito pragmático
Demonstrates high regard for the other’s comfort and social etiquette.
Dica de memória
Polite request
Nota
This phrase is used to politely ask someone to do something or to seek permission for an action, emphasizing consideration for the other person's comfort or willingness.
Upgrade path
Can you... → Would you mind... → Would you mind terribly if...
Log in to save chunks.