do you mind

USAGE SUMMARY

'do you mind' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used as a polite way to ask someone if they are okay with an action you are about to do. Example sentence: "Do you mind if I borrow your pen?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do you mind?

The New York Times - Arts

"Do you mind?" I say.

The New Yorker

"Do you mind?" he said.

The New Yorker

Do you mind checking it?

Cornell University

Do you mind getting older?

The Guardian - Music

"Do you mind?" I asked.

The New York Times

"Do you mind relocating?" (No).

The New Yorker

"Do you mind?" he asked.

The New York Times

Do you mind about that?

The Guardian

Do you mind coming over right away?

The New Yorker

Other days it's, "Mom, do you mind?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do you mind" to politely express annoyance, but be mindful of your tone to avoid sounding overly aggressive. For example, "Do you mind? I'm trying to concentrate."

Common error

Be aware that "do you mind" can be confusing because a 'no' answer actually grants permission. If someone says "No, I don't mind", it means they are okay with your request. Confirm their understanding if there's any ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do you mind" serves as an interrogative used to seek permission or express disapproval. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. It's used to politely inquire whether someone objects to a proposed action or is bothered by a current one, which helps to maintain social harmony.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do you mind" is a versatile phrase used to politely seek permission or express mild annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly found in news, media, and academic contexts. To avoid confusion, remember that a 'no' answer means permission is granted. For a more formal approach, consider using "would you mind". When someone asks you "do you mind", respond clearly to avoid ambiguity. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and effectively use "do you mind" in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would you mind

Formal alternative using 'would' for increased politeness.

could you please

Direct request using 'could' and 'please' for politeness.

would you be so kind as to

Very polite and formal request emphasizing kindness.

are you okay with

Asks for permission or checks for agreement in a less direct way.

is it alright if

Inquires about the permissibility of an action.

excuse me

Polite way to interrupt or ask someone to move.

pardon me

Similar to "excuse me", used to get attention or apologize.

are you using this

Direct question to determine if something is available.

can I trouble you to

Polite request acknowledging the imposition.

please refrain from

Polite way to ask someone to stop doing something.

FAQs

How do I politely use "do you mind" in a sentence?

Use "do you mind" to politely request something or express mild annoyance. For example, "Do you mind if I sit here?" or "Do you mind? I'm on the phone!"

What's a more formal alternative to "do you mind"?

A more formal alternative is "would you mind". For example, "Would you mind closing the door, please?"

How do I respond when someone asks "Do you mind"?

If you don't mind, respond with "No, I don't mind" or "Not at all". If you do mind, politely explain your reason. For example, "Yes, I do mind, I'm trying to work".

Is "do you mind" the same as "does it bother you"?

While similar, "do you mind" often implies a request for permission or cessation of an action, whereas "does it bother you" focuses more directly on the other person's feelings or discomfort.