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"Mind" expresses that something bothers or inconveniences you; "matter" expresses that something has importance or relevance.
Side-by-side comparison
"Mind" as a verb means to feel bothered or to have an objection to something. "I don't mind" = I have no objection. "Do you mind?" = does this bother you?
Do you mind if I open the window? It is hot in here.
I don't mind waiting. Take your time.
Never mind. I found it already.
"Matter" as a verb means to have importance or significance. "It doesn't matter" = it is not important. "What matters most" = what is most important.
It does not matter what people say. Follow your dream.
Every vote matters in a close election.
Does it matter if I arrive a few minutes late?
Common mistake
"I don't mind" and "it doesn't matter" are not interchangeable. "I don't mind" = it is not a problem for me (about you). "It doesn't matter" = it has no importance (about the situation). "Never mind" = forget what I said.
Trick to remember it
- •Subject of the sentence: are you the subject (does it bother you)? "Mind".
- •Is the situation the subject (does it have importance)? "Matter".
Quick rule
- •"Mind" = to bother or inconvenience (subject is a person).
- •"Matter" = to be important (subject is the situation).
Did you know?
MIND as a noun means the mind, and it has incredibly rich expressions in English: "peace of mind," "change your mind," "keep in mind," "blow your mind," "it never crossed my mind." MATTER as a noun is also very productive: "a matter of time," "no matter what," "a matter of opinion," "what's the matter?" (what is wrong?). Both words are two of the most versatile in English, with verb and noun uses that multiply their range far beyond this specific confusion.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
"Do you _____ if I open the window? It's a bit warm in here."
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"It doesn't _____ what time we arrive. The party goes on all evening."
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
One desires something possible, the other desires something impossible or contrary to reality.
'Yet' (negative/question) and 'already' (affirmative) express whether something has happened; 'still' expresses continuation.
"Above" is at a higher level without contact; "over" implies covering, movement, or crossing.
'Currently' means 'at the present time'; 'actually' means 'in reality', not 'nowadays'.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy