if you wouldn't mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if you wouldn't mind" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a polite way to make a request or ask a favor of someone. For example: "If you wouldn't mind, could you please pass me the salt?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

If you wouldn't mind that".

The New Yorker

"If you wouldn't mind".

The New Yorker

So more laughs, please, if you wouldn't mind.

The Guardian

"If you wouldn't mind just pointing to the ones you'd like to see".

The New York Times - Style

If you wouldn't mind taking this plea, it would be very beneficial to me and my family".

The New York Times

Then, tell him politely: "I'd really like to take a crack at that letter, if you wouldn't mind".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It might not be for you if… You wouldn't mind a return to the Black Keys's grittier, pre-2008 days – before they joined forces on production with Danger Mouse.

The Guardian - Music

Simple questions like "How is your partner doing?" are fine (you wouldn't mind if an acquaintance wanted so see how you significant other was), but asking about something like if a trans man has had surgery is not okay.

WikiHow

I wonder if, Amy Adams, you wouldn't mind doing this?" They were all there, with big teams of people and I remember looking up from the camera and thinking "wow, there are 100 people staring at me!" Part of the job is to cope with that.

BBC

Was she trying to say, he asked Dr. Correoso, that if morphine killed a patient, "you wouldn't mind?" "Then you've already broken the principle of double effect," Dr. Correoso replied.

The New York Times - Health

You are leaving the impression that you wouldn't mind, if we go to war against Iraq, that you deal with another nation which may have weapons in a different way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if you wouldn't mind" to soften a request, making it sound more polite and less demanding. This is especially useful when asking for something that might inconvenience the other person.

Common error

While polite, "if you wouldn't mind" can sound overly formal or even passive-aggressive if used too frequently. Vary your language with simpler requests like "please" or direct questions where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if you wouldn't mind" functions as a polite introductory clause to a request. It softens the demand and demonstrates consideration for the other person's willingness or potential inconvenience. Ludwig shows its use in numerous requests across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if you wouldn't mind" serves as a polite preface to a request, commonly used in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Ludwig indicates its grammatical correctness and its purpose to soften requests, emphasizing politeness. While a valuable phrase, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider alternatives for varied tones. Remembering these nuances will refine your communication and ensure effective interactions in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if you don't mind

More direct and slightly less formal.

would you mind

A direct question, often used to make a polite request.

if you'd be so kind

Emphasizes politeness and anticipates a positive response.

if it's not too much trouble

Emphasizes the potential inconvenience of the request.

if you're willing

Focuses on the willingness of the person being asked.

if you are able

Focuses on the capability of the person to fulfill the request.

if it's convenient for you

Highlights consideration for the other person's schedule or availability.

provided you're happy to

Highlights that the request should only be fulfilled if the person is happy to do so.

should you be inclined

A more formal and indirect way of making a request.

if you feel like it

A more casual and less pressing way of making a suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "if you wouldn't mind" in a sentence?

Use "if you wouldn't mind" to politely introduce a request or suggestion. For example, "If you wouldn't mind, could you close the window?" or "I was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me with this task."

What's a less formal alternative to "if you wouldn't mind"?

A less formal alternative is "if you don't mind", which is suitable for casual conversations and everyday requests.

When is it appropriate to use "if you wouldn't mind"?

It is appropriate to use "if you wouldn't mind" when making a request that might inconvenience the other person or when you want to be particularly polite.

How does "if you wouldn't mind" differ from a direct request?

"If you wouldn't mind" softens the request and shows consideration for the other person's feelings. A direct request, while sometimes appropriate, can sound demanding or impolite in certain situations. The phrase "would you mind" is also similar but posed as a direct question.