Never mind means “it doesn't matter”, “don't worry” or “forget it”. You say it to reassure someone who apologises, or to drop your own question when you no longer need the answer. In never mind + noun, the phrase means “let alone”.
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Never mind; never mind + noun/-ing; Do you mind if…? → Not at all
- 'Sorry, I forgot to bring your book.' 'Never mind, you can give it to me tomorrow.'
- What was the name of that café? Oh, never mind, I've found it on the map.
- I barely had time for lunch, never mind a proper dinner.
What changed
First version'Do you mind if I sit here?' 'Never mind, go ahead.'
Revision'Do you mind if I sit here?' 'Not at all, go ahead.'
The question contains mind, so it is tempting to answer with never mind. But never mind means “it doesn't matter” and doesn't answer a request. To give permission after Do you mind…?, reply with a negative: Not at all or No, go ahead.
To say that you don't object, use I don't mind: I don't mind waiting. Never mind is addressed to the other person and means “don't worry, forget it”: Never mind, it's not important.
Your turn
'I'm so sorry, I spilled coffee on your notes!' '___, I have a copy on my laptop.'
Show the answer
Never mind — You are reassuring someone after an apology, telling them it doesn't matter: Never mind. Don't mind on its own isn't used as a reply like this: mind in the sense of “object” appears in the question Do you mind…? and in the phrase I don't mind.
Write a short dialogue: a colleague apologises for something small (being late, forgetting a file), and you reply with never mind and suggest what to do next.
'Sorry, I forgot to send you the file.' 'Never mind, just send it before lunch.'
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