Comments on: How to answer: Do you mind if I sit down?

By: John

John — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:31:50 +0000

Hi Zhen

And also, I am sure that not all Chinese speakers use correct grammar all the time. It is the same for native English speakers!

By: Zhen

Zhen — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:08:41 +0000

Thanks for the answer even though it sounds like the question becomes even more complicated Sure thing about the alive language and my mother tongue Chinese is much more difficult to learn for foreigners.

By: John

John — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:32:39 +0000

Hi Zhen

That is an excellent question! The answer is that many people do not speak using correct grammar. In this situation the correct grammar would be:

A: Do you mind if I come in?
B: No.

But many native English speakers do not use correct grammar. This is because language is ‘alive’ – people use it however they like! Language also changes over time too.

I am sure it is the same in your native language too – people don’t speak correct grammar all the time, especially when using slang.

Am I right?

Hope this helps!

John

By: Zhen

Zhen — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 18:01:38 +0000

Thanks for the tips. But somehow while I was watching a movie and there were few lines that confused me. One ask “You mind if I come in?” and the other said “Yeah, sure.”. The result is the other want the one to come in. Could you help me to explain that, thank you!

By: Mutsuko

Mutsuko — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:07:15 +0000

Yes!! Thank you, John. I’ll keep those expressions in my mind.

By: John

John — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 10:40:04 +0000

Hi Mutsuko
1) Yes, that is right! They don’t mind you going out, just they do not want you to come back too late.
2) great response!
3) Remember – “Do you mind if I borrow $100?” – “Yes”
This means you don’t want to lend them the money. So to your friend you might say ” No, I don’t mind, but what is going on? what do you need it for?”

By: Mutsuko

Mutsuko — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 03:31:14 +0000

Hi John,
I answer to the questions you asked above.

1) It doesn’t necessarily mean that it is NOT OK for me to go out.
They might think that It is OK for me to go out but not for so long.

2) I would say “YES.” If you want to smoke, why don’t you go outside and smoke?

3) Well, this is a very difficult question. It depends what kind of friend is asking me for the money. If the friend was my best friend in Australia, I would definitely say “YES” but probably ask why she needs that amount of money.
And I would also make sure if she can return the money back to me.
I wouldn’t like to make our relationship worse because of the money.
I usually don’t lend money to friends. So If I would, it is going to be a very special case.

By: John

John — Thu, 05 May 2011 11:31:01 +0000

Thanks Agnes!

By: agnes aguilar

agnes aguilar — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:09:00 +0000

Thank you John for another learning experience with you. Looking forward to learning more lessons from you. Keep it up!

By: John

John — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:37:04 +0000

Hi Agnes
Great answers! You have answered them all correctly!
Some feedback:
It means that it is not okay for them to go out tonight.
AND
No, I dont. Just promise me that you will return it next week because I need it to pay my tuition fees.