"would you mind -ing" and "would you mind if"

[pedro8686]

Am I right?

Would you mind opening the window? - it's a request
Would you mind if I open the window? - it's asking for permission

Would you mind not smoking? - it's asking sb to stop smoking; or not to start doing it when we see sb is going to do it
Would you mind if I smoke? - it's asking for permission to smoke


Thank you

[Casiopea]

Welcome, pedro8686.

You are correct.

[Diandre]

Is there any diference between:

Would you mind if I open the window?
and
Would you mind if I opened the window?

Thank you

[chellamuthu]

Originally Posted by Diandre

Is there any diference between:

Would you mind if I open the window?
and
Would you mind if I opened the window?

Thank you

Both are correct.

[bhaisahab]

Have a look at this: http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/as...ed-window.html

[svartnik]

Originally Posted by Diandre

Is there any diference between:

Would you mind if I open the window?
and
Would you mind if I opened the window?

Thank you

The subjunctive past form is used to indicate that you are considering the possibility of opening, but could be dissuaded if there is an objection.


The indicative present form indicates that you are more intent on opening the window. It gives the slight impression that you don't expect any objections to the idea.

The subjunctive (opened) is formal and more polite.