never mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"never mind" is a correct phrase that is often used in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that someone should forget any previously mentioned concerns or issues or as an expression of dismissal. For example: "Don't worry about how the project turned out. Never mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Never mind.

The New York Times

Never Mind.

The New York Times

never mind.

The New Yorker

Never mind whether air.

The New Yorker

O.K., never mind.

The New York Times

Never mind, though.

The New Yorker

"Never mind about that.

The New Yorker

Never mind the bodies.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Never mind," Ana said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He never minded moving.

The New York Times

"I never minded".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "never mind" to smoothly transition away from a topic you no longer wish to discuss or that is becoming unproductive. It's particularly useful in conversational settings.

Common error

Avoid using "never mind" excessively in formal writing or professional communication, as it can come across as dismissive or impolite. Opt for more formal alternatives like "please disregard" or "no need to worry about that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never mind" primarily functions as an interjection or a disclaimer. It serves to retract a previous statement, dismiss a question, or indicate that something is not worth pursuing further. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Never mind" is a frequently used phrase to dismiss a previous statement, indicate something isn't important, or suggest a topic should be dropped. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage and high frequency across various sources, predominantly in News & Media. While suitable for informal contexts, it should be used cautiously in formal settings. Alternatives like "forget about it" or "don't worry about it" can offer similar meanings. Remember to use "never mind" to smoothly transition away from unproductive discussions, but avoid overuse in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it doesn't matter

Replaces the expression with a direct statement of irrelevance.

forget about it

Suggests completely disregarding the previous topic or issue.

don't worry about it

Offers reassurance that the matter is not important.

it's not important

Directly states the insignificance of the matter.

no problem

Indicates that there is no issue or concern.

don't mention it

A polite way to dismiss thanks or acknowledgment.

let's drop it

Suggests ending the discussion of a particular topic.

it's okay

Assures that everything is alright and the issue is resolved.

leave it be

Advises against interfering or dwelling on something.

disregard that

Instructs to ignore or pay no attention to something previously said.

FAQs

How can I use "never mind" in a sentence?

You can use "never mind" to indicate that something is not important or should be disregarded. For example, "I was going to ask for help, but "never mind", I figured it out myself."

What are some alternatives to "never mind"?

Alternatives include "forget about it", "it doesn't matter", or "don't worry about it", depending on the specific context.

Is "never mind" appropriate in formal communication?

While "never mind" is common in informal conversation, it may be too casual for formal communication. Consider using phrases like "please disregard" or "no need to concern yourself with that" instead.

What's the difference between "never mind" and "excuse me"?

"Never mind" is used to dismiss a previous statement or request, while "excuse me" is used to apologize or ask for attention. For example, "Never mind, I found it" dismisses a previous request, whereas "Excuse me, is this seat taken?" seeks attention or an apology.