Your MIND is that place in your head where you think, feel, and want.
Your body does the physical things – the mind does the mental things.

We use “mind” as a noun and verb in a variety of common expressions that show care or concern about something. Here are three:

  • WOULD YOU MIND: When making a polite request for someone to do something. We use “would you mind” + ______ing form. This phrase is used formally, as well as between family and friends.
  • CHANGE YOUR MIND: to alter your decision or perspective about something.
  • HAVE IN MIND: to be considering someone or something for a particular job.

Dialogue: Jenny and Tom have been working at home inside all day …

Jenny: I’m tired. Would you mind putting on some music, Tom?
Tom: Sure! What do you have in mind — a little Beethoven? The Beatles?
Jenny: Actually, I was thinking, Nirvana.
Tom: Nirvana?! Then would you mind wearing headphones?
Jenny: Actually, I’ve changed my mind. Why don’t we go for a walk instead!

Everyday words students have trouble pronouncing. I will say them as students say them and then repeat the word with the correct sound. Click here to follow along on the dialogue and pronunciation practice.

  • Mind = MYnd (1 syllable; the “i” sound in “my” + nd)
  • Changed = tchay-njD (‘ay’ = the “a” sound in “day”) (1 syllable)
  • Watched = wawtchT (1 syllable)
  • Said = sed (“said” and “says” are exceptions; the vowel is like the “e” in bed.)
  • Says = sez
  • Either/Neither = EE-ther/NEE-ther OR, less common, “EYE”-ther/NEYE-ther
  • Who = Hu (rhymes with “you”; the “w” is silent)
  • Toward = tohrd (like “more”+d) or t’Wohrd  (both equally used)
  • Forward = FOR-wird
  • Enthusiastic = en-thu-zee-YAS-t’k