would you mind

Meaning

This is a very polite and formal way to ask someone to do something or to ask for permission. It literally asks if the action would cause the person any trouble or annoyance. Because of this, a negative response like 'No, not at all' actually means 'Yes, I will do it gladly.' It is always followed by a verb ending in '-ing' (gerund) or 'if' followed by a clause.

Examples

• Would you mind sending me the updated spreadsheet by the end of the day?

  Would you mind sending me the updated spreadsheet by the end of the day?

• Would you mind if I scheduled our meeting for 3:00 PM instead?

  Would you mind if I scheduled our meeting for 3:00 PM instead?

• Would you mind holding the line for a moment while I check your account?

  Would you mind holding the line for a moment while I check your account?

• Would you mind reviewing this draft before I submit it to the director?

  Would you mind reviewing this draft before I submit it to the director?

• Would you mind closing the door so we can have a private discussion?

  Would you mind closing the door so we can have a private discussion?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Would you mind to help me with this task?

  ✓ Would you mind helping me with this task?

  'Would you mind' must be followed by a gerund (verb-ing), not an infinitive with 'to.'

• ✗ A: 'Would you mind helping me?' B: 'Yes, of course!' (meaning they will help)

  ✓ A: 'Would you mind helping me?' B: 'No, not at all!' (meaning they will help)

  Since 'mind' means 'be annoyed by,' answering 'Yes' technically means 'Yes, I mind (I don't want to help).' Use 'No, not at all' or 'Sure, I can do that' to agree to help.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___ checking this document for any spelling errors?

  💡 A very polite way to request someone to do something (followed by -ing).

  Show answer

  Would you mind

• ___ if I took a quick phone call during our break?

  💡 Polite request for permission (followed by 'if').

  Show answer

  Would you mind