Whether you’re having a conversation with a friend or sending a quick text, never mind is one of the most versatile and frequently used idioms in the English language. It is so common, in fact, that it’s often shortened to the internet abbreviation NM. While we use it dozens of times a week to tell someone to “disregard” or “forget” what we just said, this simple phrase actually has multiple layers of meaning and specific grammar rules you should follow to sound like a native speaker. Below, you will find a full and detailed explanation of the idiom “never mind,” including its meaning and notes on the correct use of the phrase. You will also find plenty of sentence examples.
Meaning of Idiom ‘Never Mind’
The idiom never mind is used to tell someone to disregard something; to take no notice of something; to not worry about something; to not be troubled by something, or to not be upset by something. The most common way of using this idiom is to tell someone to disregard something you said or to take no notice of something.
Never mind can also mean the same as ‘to say nothing of’ or ‘let alone.’ In this way, it emphasizes that a preceding statement is more notable and important than the one to follow. Example: “He has one of the most successful vineyards in the United States, never mind Virginia.”
A very similar idiom is never you mind. This idiom has quite a different meaning, so you do not want to mistakenly use it when you mean to say never mind.
Never you mind means it’s of no concern to you; it’s none of your business; I’m not going to tell you. Example: “Where have you been all day?” asked Nigel. “Never you mind,” said Mindy.
Never Mind Vs. Nevermind
Never mind the idiom should always be spelled as two separate words. When it is spelled as one word, nevermind, it is a colloquial way of saying concern, business, affair, attention, etc. and is used in idioms such as “It’s none of your nevermind,” or “pay it no nevermind,” the last being similar to the usage of never mind but a bit ruder sounding.
Sentence Examples
“Can you chop some onions while I start on dinner, please? Wait, never mind, I forgot you had to help Billy with his homework.”
“My ear hurts and according to the internet I have an ear infection!” said Peter. “Never mind that, you don’t have an infection. You probably just need to clean your ear!” replied Paula.
“I’m sorry I forgot to put gas in your car,” said Sophia. “Never mind, I still had plenty to get to work. I filled up after,” replied Luke.
“Never mind that he overstepped his authority. He actually broke the law!”
