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

Status
Not open for further replies.

pedro8686

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
Polish
Home Country
Poland
Current Location
Poland
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
 

Diandre

Member
Joined
Jan 30, 2007
Member Type
Student or Learner
:?: Is there any diference between:

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

Thank you
 

svartnik

Key Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2006
Member Type
Student or Learner
:?: 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.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top