Noun & Verb A2 — Elementary

Mind

/maɪnd/

Quick Definition

Noun: The part of a person that thinks, feels, and remembers. "She has a sharp mind."

Verb: To feel bothered or concerned about something; to be careful. "Do you mind if I sit here?" / "Mind the step!"

Meaning and Usage

Mind is a high-frequency A2 word with many important uses. As a noun it refers to your intellectual and emotional self — your thoughts, opinions, and memory. As a verb it is used in polite requests ("Do you mind?") and warnings ("Mind your head!").

Key expressions: make up your mind (decide), never mind (don't worry), keep in mind (remember), change your mind (decide differently). These phrases are essential for fluent, natural English.

Example sentences: "She couldn't get the song out of her mind." / "I don't mind waiting." / "Mind the gap between the train and the platform."

Mind in Use

ContextExample sentenceForm
Polite requestDo you mind closing the door?Verb + gerund
ExpressionI've made up my mind — I'm moving abroad.make up your mind
WarningMind your head on the beam!Imperative verb

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

Do you mind to open the window?

Do you mind opening the window? (mind + gerund, not infinitive)

"Do you mind?" — "Yes, please go ahead."

"Do you mind?" — "No, not at all." ('No' means you're NOT bothered — granting permission)

I have a lot in my mind today.

I have a lot on my mind today. (the correct preposition is 'on', not 'in')

Related Words

think idea focus remember feel All Words →

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Wordsearch Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions about "Mind"

What does mind mean in English?
Mind has two main uses: (1) As a noun: the part of a person responsible for thinking, feeling, and memory — "She has a brilliant mind." (2) As a verb: to feel bothered by something — "Do you mind if I open the window?" or to be careful — "Mind the step!" In British English, "mind" is also used as a warning.
How is 'do you mind' used in English?
"Do you mind + gerund?" is a polite way of asking for permission: "Do you mind opening the window?" This is confusing because a negative answer means YES you can do it: "No, I don't mind" = "No, I'm not bothered, please go ahead." Answering "Yes" means you ARE bothered and don't want the person to do it.
What is the CEFR level of mind?
Mind is an A2 (Elementary) level word in both its noun and verb senses. The polite question form "Do you mind...?" is one of the most important A2-B1 conversational structures and is essential for polite requests.
How do you pronounce mind?
Mind is pronounced /maɪnd/. It rhymes with "kind", "find", and "blind". The past tense "minded" is /ˈmaɪndɪd/ and the compound "remind" is /rɪˈmaɪnd/.
What are common expressions with mind?
Key expressions: make up your mind (decide), change your mind (decide differently), keep in mind (remember), bear in mind (consider), out of your mind (crazy), state of mind (mental condition), peace of mind (calm feeling), never mind (don't worry), speak your mind (say what you think), mind your own business (don't interfere).
What is the difference between mind and brain?
"Brain" refers to the physical organ in your head. "Mind" refers to the thinking, feeling, and conscious part — more abstract and psychological. You can say "I have a lot on my mind" (worries) but not "I have a lot on my brain". Brain surgery is physical; "mind" relates to thoughts and feelings.
What does 'never mind' mean?
"Never mind" is a very common expression meaning "don't worry about it", "it doesn't matter", or "forget what I just said". Example: "Could you help me? — Sorry, I'm busy. — Never mind, I'll ask someone else." It is informal and used to dismiss a concern or question.
What are synonyms for mind?
Synonyms for mind (noun): intellect, brain, intelligence, thought, consciousness, psyche. Synonyms for mind (verb): care, object, take exception to, be bothered by. The warning use ("Mind the step!") is closest to "watch out for" or "be careful of".
What common mistakes do learners make with mind?
Common mistakes: using infinitive instead of gerund ("Do you mind to open the window?" should be "Do you mind opening the window?"); answering "Do you mind?" with "Yes" when granting permission (say "No, not at all"); and using "in my mind" instead of "on my mind" when talking about worries.
How can I practise the word mind?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards to practise the key expressions with "mind", then take the Quiz to test your knowledge in context. Try writing sentences using "make up your mind", "never mind", and "do you mind + -ing", paying attention to the gerund form after "mind".