I sometimes hear students say, “I don’t care”, when presented with a choice and asked which option they prefer.
Teacher: Which book would you like to work with today?
Student: I don’t care.
What they may not realise is that this sounds rude. Instead, it is better to say, “I don’t mind”.
Care vs. mind
The verb "care" means to think that something is important and, therefore, is worth feeling interested or upset about. Take, for example, these sentences:
- I care about the environment.
- I care whether my football team wins or loses.
When we say that we don’t care about something, we are saying that it is not important and, therefore, not worth our attention or emotional response.
- I don’t care about politics.
- I don’t care whether I win or lose.
If you want to say that you don't feel strongly about something while still sounding polite, instead say, “I don’t mind”. To mind means to be bothered or worried about something, as in the following sentence:
- I mind if my son leaves the table without asking permission.
By responding to a question using, “I don’t mind”, you explain that you have no emotional attachment to the choice presented but avoid saying that it does not interest you. This makes you sound more polite.
Keeping the conversation going
Finishing your sentence with a negative sentence can block further conversation, however. So, to keep it going, ask a question after saying, “I don’t mind”. This puts the ball in the other person’s court.
Teacher: What would you like to do today?
Student: I don’t mind. What do you suggest?
Alternatively, if presented with two options, you can say, “Either is fine” or “Whichever you prefer”.
Teacher: What shall we do: Business Result or Speaking Test Strategies?
Student: I don’t mind. Whichever you prefer!
Conclusion
So, the next time you are presented with a choice but have no preference for one option over the other, remember to say, “I don’t mind”, and keep the conversation going.
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put the ball in someone's court [idiom]—give someone else responsibility for the next action.
