they would mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they would mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking if someone has an objection or concern about something. Example: "I was wondering if they would mind if I borrowed their book for a few days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Yes, they would mind.

The New York Times

Only 6% now say they would mind having a neighbour of a different faith.

The Economist

A bartender asked if they would mind offering their seats to the ladies.

The New York Times

By 2010, 49percentt of Republicans and 33percentt of Democrats said they would mind.

The New York Times

Through intermediaries, she had asked the Justices if they would mind if she appeared in a normal business suit.

The New Yorker

I asked his grown-up children if they would mind if we did it very quietly, without inviting the family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

When valuable networking contacts asked me to meet for lunch, I'd ask whether they'd mind chatting by phone.

The New York Times

Ask them if they'd mind wearing a microphone and video camera every day, so others can check on what they've said and done.

The Guardian - Opinion

DO go ahead and ask the bride, or one of her close friends, if you're unsure if they'd mind you wearing white.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I send this story to my friends, I won't ask them if they'd "mind" reading it.

Huffington Post

When asking them if they'd mind coming, explain your reasons for having them come along.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they would mind", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to in order to avoid ambiguity. For example: "I asked the neighbors if "they would mind" if we parked our car in front of their house."

Common error

While "they would mind" is generally acceptable, consider whether a more formal phrase like "would they object" is more appropriate for professional or academic writing. Choose the phrasing that best matches your audience and purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they would mind" functions as a polite inquiry to gauge potential objections or concerns from a group of people regarding a proposed action or situation. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is versatile in conversational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they would mind" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to politely inquire about potential objections or concerns. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, particularly in news, wiki, and science. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives like "would they object" in professional settings. The phrase is a common and considerate way to gauge others' feelings and preferences before taking action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would they object

Replaces 'mind' with 'object', focusing on formal disapproval.

would they care

Substitutes 'mind' with 'care', implying concern or worry.

would they have any objection

Expands the phrase to explicitly ask about any possible objections.

would they be bothered

Replaces 'mind' with 'be bothered', suggesting a level of annoyance.

would they find it offensive

Focuses on the potential for causing offense.

would they disapprove

Replaces 'mind' with 'disapprove', highlighting disagreement.

would it be a problem for them

Shifts the focus to whether something would create an issue.

would they be against it

Expresses the idea of being in opposition to something.

would they be concerned

Highlights a sense of worry or unease.

would they have reservations

Indicates having doubts or hesitations.

FAQs

How can I use "they would mind" in a sentence?

You can use "they would mind" to politely inquire whether a group of people would object to something. For example, "Do you think "they would mind" if we used their conference room for our meeting?"

What's a more formal way to ask if "they would mind" something?

For a more formal approach, consider using phrases such as "would they object?" or "would they have any objections?". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but with increased formality.

Is it correct to say "would they mind" instead of "they would mind"?

"Would they mind?" is the interrogative form, used for asking a question. "They would mind" is a statement expressing that they would object to something. The correct usage depends on whether you're asking a question or making a statement.

Are there situations where it's better to use "they would object" instead of "they would mind"?

Yes, in more formal contexts or when emphasizing a strong disagreement, "they would object" may be preferable. "They would mind" is generally milder and more conversational.