pay no mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pay no mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally is used to indicate that something should not be taken seriously or paid attention to. For example, "I can tell you're upset but pay no mind, I'm sure it'll all work out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

So they pay no mind to that stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

Pay no mind to purists' complaints about Mr. Edelstein's trims.

The New York Times

But pay no mind to critics who grouse about a shortage of cylinders.

The New York Times

"Pay no mind to that!" she said, with a dismissive wave.

The New York Times - Travel

Though their trials would unfold on separate courts, they would claim to pay no mind.

The New York Times - Sports

Pay no mind to the perceptions of others – it's a wonderful luxury.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But Mrs. Culver pays no mind.

The New Yorker

Brianna, Tamara and Sydney paid no mind.

The New York Times

He paid no mind, as usual.

The New Yorker

But he pays no mind to the difference.

Princeton University

This Hirschmania paid no mind to national borders.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pay no mind" when you want to gently suggest that someone shouldn't be concerned or bothered by something. It's a polite way to dismiss a worry or concern.

Common error

While "pay no mind" is generally acceptable, be mindful of the context. In highly formal or professional settings, a more direct or precise phrase might be preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay no mind" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise someone to ignore something, dismiss a concern, or not be bothered by a particular situation. Ludwig confirms its validity and offers real-world usage examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Opinion

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Sport

5%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic expression "pay no mind" is a valid and commonly used phrase that advises someone to disregard something or not be concerned about it. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and offers diverse examples, mainly within news and media contexts. While it's generally neutral in tone, it should be used judiciously in highly formal settings. If a synonym is needed, consider alternatives like "disregard that" or "don't worry about it" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disregard that

Uses a more direct and concise imperative, omitting the nuance of 'attention'.

don't worry about it

Shifts the focus to reassurance, implying that the subject is not worth concern.

ignore it

Emphasizes a complete lack of attention, potentially stronger than "pay no mind".

never mind

Offers a quick dismissal, often used when retracting a statement or request.

take no notice

Formally suggests a lack of acknowledgement or awareness.

brush it off

Implies a casual dismissal of something potentially problematic or concerning.

let it slide

Suggests overlooking a fault or transgression, implying tolerance or leniency.

don't give it a second thought

Highlights the insignificance of the subject, urging complete indifference.

overlook it

Indicates a conscious decision to ignore something, often for practical reasons.

dismiss it

Formally rejects something as unworthy of consideration or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "pay no mind" in a sentence?

You can use "pay no mind" to encourage someone to disregard something, as in "Pay no mind to the rumors, they are not true."

What does "pay no mind" mean?

"Pay no mind" means to not give attention to something, or to disregard it.

What can I say instead of "pay no mind"?

You can use alternatives like "disregard that", "don't worry about it", or "ignore it" depending on the context.

Is "pay no mind" formal or informal?

"Pay no mind" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for everyday conversation but might be too casual for very formal contexts.