never mind

You say this to tell someone that a problem or mistake is not important.

• Never mind, we can try again.
• You dropped a plate? Never mind, nobody was hurt.
• Never mind; a few minutes late is fine.

Similar words: don't worry, no matter

Common phrases: never mind that, oh never mind

Do not worry about or pay attention to a particular person, thing, or task.

• Never mind me; enjoy your evening.
• Never mind about the washing; I will do it.
• Never mind the details for now.

How to use it: never mind someone/something (Never mind the price; choose the one you like.); never mind about something (Never mind about lunch; I have already eaten.)

Similar words: disregard, ignore

Common phrases: never mind someone, never mind about something

You say this when you want someone to ignore what you have just said or asked.

• Never mind; I found my keys.
• Could you help me? Actually, never mind, I can manage.
• What did I say? Never mind; it was nothing.

Similar words: forget it, forget I asked

Common phrases: actually never mind, oh never mind

Used to introduce something even less likely or possible than what you have just mentioned.

• I cannot afford lunch, never mind dinner.
• She barely speaks French, never mind writes it.
• We lacked enough chairs for ten people, never mind fifty.

How to use it: negative statement, never mind something (I cannot afford a bicycle, never mind a car.); negative statement, never mind doing something (He could barely stand, never mind walk home.)

Similar words: let alone, much less

Common phrases: never mind something, never mind doing something