08 · Politeness
“Would you mind…?”
Polite requests — and answering naturally
Mary's model recording
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Meaning
“Is it a problem for you if…?”
What it can imply
It's a polite request.
Context and register
Common everywhere, from strangers to colleagues. Many people also just say “Sure!” — the meaning is clear from the tone.
In conversation
On the train
Passenger:Would you mind moving your bag?
Ana:Not at all — sorry!
In a meeting
Ana:Would you mind if I opened the window?
Colleague:No, go ahead.
Would I use this?
Yes. Practise the answer: “Not at all” or “No, of course not” when you agree. You can say, “Actually, I'd rather you didn't” when you don't agree (with a smile!).
Your practice
Record yourself saying the phrase, then listen back and compare with Mary's model. Your recording stays on this device only — it is not uploaded, saved or analysed.