Don't care v Don't mind

Source: Belinda Fewings on Unsplash 

Do you know the difference between I don't mind and I don't care? 

Many of you use them wrongly. What about it doesn't matter? What about never mind?

I care about you. (This has a positive, sentimental meaning. The person is important for you).

I don't care what happens to him. (This has a strong meaning and can sound very cold, even impolite).

He won't mind if you come too. (This has a gentler meaning. It means that there won't be a problem or there is no preference).

It doesn't matter if it rains. (This means that the situation doesn't create any problems. It is quite like "don't mind").

A: I've failed my exam. B: Never mind. You can take it again next month. (This can have a reassuring sense. It isn't the end of the world).

Other examples:

A: Your mother won't like your new boyfriend. B: I don't care what she thinks.

A: Do you mind if I smoke? B: Of course, I don't mind.

I hope you don't mind if I invite David to the party. I know you two don't get on.

It doesn't matter if you haven't finished. You can do the rest tomorrow.

A: I'm sorry. What did you say? B: Never mind. It wasn't important.

Other expressions with care and mind:

What's the one word that fits every sentence?

1. No, you paid for dinner last time, let me take __ of it.
2. A: She's going to be really annoyed. B: I couldn't __ less.
3. The standard of __ at our local hospital is excellent.

— English in Madrid (@madteacher72) January 25, 2020

What's the one word that fits every sentence?

1. No, you paid for dinner last time, let me TAKE CARE OF it.(be responsible for stg)
2. A: She's going to be really annoyed. B: I COULDN'T CARE LESS. (not care at all)
3. The STANDARD OF CARE at our local hospital is excellent. pic.twitter.com/t15FRAvagy

— English in Madrid (@madteacher72) August 11, 2020

#idioms What's the one word that fits every sentence?

to have sth on your mind = think or worry about sth

to take your mind off sth = stop you thinking about sth unpleasant

mind you = sth you say before saying the opposite of what you have just said https://t.co/gb9n9y0Vmp

— English in Madrid (@madteacher72) March 28, 2020

Now create some examples of your own until you get the hang of it.

Idiom: 

If you get the hang of something you are able to do it after several attempts.

• I can't get the hang of this computer programme. It's too difficult.
• You'll get the hang of it if you keep on practising.

Explain #inyourownwords what the expression in capitals means:

Don't worry - with a bit of practice, you'll GET THE HANG OF IT. pic.twitter.com/WvsKif66QJ

— English in Madrid (@madteacher72) January 20, 2020