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HSS Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Mind

Just wondering if you'd say the following instead because I wouldn't.

[1] Would you mind opening the window for me?

- You wouldn't say instead, "Do you mind ...?" would you?

[2] Do you mind if I smoke here?

- You wouldn't say instead, "Would you mind ...?" would you?

Thanks for your input.

Best,

Hiro
  

Top answer

The 'would you' form is more polite. It's commonly used. 'Do you mind' sounds more like a command, whereas 'Would you mind' sounds like a request.

  • The 'would you' form is more polite.
  • It's commonly used.
  • 'Do you mind' sounds more like a command, whereas 'Would you mind' sounds like a request.
  • 'Do you mind' can also be used as a criticism of someone's behaviour - 'do you mind not smoking while I am eating' would normally be said by someone who is quite cross about the smoking.
  • It can be almost sarcastic in use.
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5 Answers
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The 'would you' form is more polite. It's commonly used.

'Do you mind' sounds more like a command, whereas 'Would you mind' sounds like a request.

'Do you mind' can also be used as a criticism of someone's behaviour - 'do you mind not smoking while I am eating' would normally be said by someone who is quite cross about the smoking. It can be almost sarcastic in use.
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Hi, Nona.

Would you then maybe say, "Would you mind if I smoke here?" to a person next to you? No, you wouldn't, or would you?

Hiro
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I would use either in that context.

You are right in assuming that you should use 'would you mind' if you are asking someone else to do an action.

If you are asking permission for your own actions then you usually have a choice between the two

'Do you mind if I smoke' - I'm asking you a question and I'll act accordingly.

'Would you mind if I smoke' I'm asking y
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What about "Do you mind opening the window for me?"? Could this sound a bit too rude, perhaps sound like a command?

Hiro
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I wouldn't recommend using that sentence ("Do you mind opening the window for me?") in order to make a request. It doesn't really sound like a request and could well come across as rude.

Amy

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