Polite Requests with Would You Mind

1.4 Polite Requests with Would You Mind

a. Asking permission

• (1) Would you mind if I closed the window?
  
• (2) Would you mind if I used the phone?
  

Would you mind if I is followed by the simple past. The meaning in (1): May I close the window? Is it all right if I close the window? Will it cause you any trouble or discomfort if I close the window?
Typical responses are:
- No. Not at all.
- No, of course not.
- No, that would be fine.
Another typical response might be “unh-unh”, meaning no.

b. Asking someone else to do something

• (1) Would you mind closing the window?
  
• (2) Excuse me? Would you mind repeating that?
  

In (1) would you mind is followed by -ing (a gerund). The meaning in (1) : I don’t want to cause you any trouble, but would you please close the window? Would that cause you any inconvenience? Typical responses are:
- No. I’d be happy to.
- Not at all. I’d be glad to


Exercise 3
Using the verb in parentheses, fill in the blank either with if I + the past tense or with the –ing form of the verb.

1. I’m getting tired. I’d like to go home and go to bed. Would you mind (leave) ..… early?

2. I’m sorry. I didn’t understand what you said. Would you mind (repeat) ….. that?

3.

• Josh : Are you going to the post office?
  
• Jane : Yes.
  
• Josh : Would you mind (mail) …… this letter for me?
  
• Jane : Not at all.

4.

• James : Are you coming with us?
  
• Cindy : I know I promised to go with you, but I’m not feeling very good. Would
  
• you mind (stay) ………… home?
  

5.

• Anna : I still don’t understand how to work this algebra problem. Would you mind (explain) ……… it again?
  
• Andy : Not at all. I’d be happy to.