The answer to "Would you mind": Yes or No

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

I have a question on the answer to “Would you mind~”.

Conversation (1)
A: Would you mind calling me back?
B: Yes, I’ll call back again.

Conversation (2)
A: Would you mind calling me back?
B: Of course not. (or No.) I’ll call back again.

Strictly speaking, Conversation (1) does not make sense, right? “Yes” means actually B does mind calling back. As far as I know, however, it is spoken that way, isn’t it? Like, sometimes you would even use “Sure” in that case, which is stronger than yes, I think.

To me, I would choose Conversation (2) if you asked me which is more natural and correct. However, both of them seem okay to me. What do you think?

Thanks,
sweetpumpkin

2

Strictly speaking, Conversation (1) does not make sense, right?-- Right. “Yes” means actually B does mind calling back. As far as I know, however, it is spoken that way, isn’t it?-- Yes. Like, sometimes you would even use “Sure” in that case, which is stronger than yes, I think.– Sure!

To me, I would choose Conversation (2) if you asked me which is more natural and correct. However, both of them seem okay to me. What do you think?-- I agree that both occur in abundance. Remember only that this is a favorite trick on English language proficiency tests.

3

Thank you, MM. Because you’re living in Japan where has no time difference from here Korea, maybe I can get your quick reply. :slight_smile: Have a good day!

4

Yes, it speeds things up if we’re both awake at the same time.