1.4 Polite Requests with Would You Mind
a. Asking permission
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
- 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.
a. Asking permission
- (1) Would you mind if I closed the window?
- (2) Would you mind if I used the phone?
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?
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.