AEE 2328: Do You Mind If We Teach You New Phrases Today?

Summary

All Ears English Podcast Episode 2328: "Do You Mind If We Teach You New Phrases Today?"

Release Date: December 25, 2024

In episode 2328 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the versatile uses of the word "mind." Aimed at intermediate to advanced English learners, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the different meanings and applications of "mind," enriched with practical examples, personal anecdotes, and actionable tips to enhance listeners' fluency and connection skills in American English.

Introduction and Listener Engagement

The episode kicks off with Lindsay introducing the topic: “Do you mind if we teach you new phrases today?” (00:00). Michelle highlights the podcast’s mission to help listeners become fluent by focusing on connections rather than perfection (00:08). They then present a listener question from Omid, who inquires about the various meanings of the word "mind" (04:26).

Exploring the Meanings of "Mind"

Lindsay and Michelle categorize the meanings of "mind" into three primary "buckets" to simplify understanding:

1. Mind as Thoughts or Brainpower

   • Definition: Refers to one's intellect or thoughts.
   • Example: “He has a very strong mind” implies that someone is intelligent or mentally robust.
   • Quote: Lindsay remarks, “We could do a whole course on the word mind. I mean, we could do a whole podcast, All Ears English mind” (05:05).

2. Mind as Opinion or Changing Decisions

   • Definition: Expressing one's opinion or the act of changing one’s decision.
   • Example: “I changed my mind” means deciding differently than before.
   • Quote: Michelle emphasizes, “Anytime you want to express your opinion, this is a super native and natural” (06:22).
   • Discussion: The hosts share personal experiences about changing their minds, highlighting how it relates to decision-making and human psychology. Michelle mentions, “I'm always thinking, did I do the right thing?” reflecting on buyer’s remorse (08:14).

3. Mind as Caring or Bothering

   • Definition: To care about or be bothered by something.
   • Example: “Do you mind if I move this seat?” asks if the action would bother the other person.
   • Quote: Lindsay explains, “do you mind if I move this seat? So it's like, will this bother you? Do you care?” (08:54).

4. "Keep in Mind"

   • Definition: To remember or pay attention to something.
   • Example: “Keep in mind the report is due at 12, not 1.”
   • Quote: Michelle ties this meaning to connection skills, stating, “It's a gateway to a connection skill because what this leads to is you sharing your opinion and that leads to connection” (12:19).

Practical Examples and Role-Play

To solidify understanding, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role-play scenario set during a lunch outing:

• Scenario:
  • Michelle: “Do you mind if we move to that table over there? I'm a little cold.” (13:40)
  • Lindsay: “Oh, no, that's fine. I don't mind.” (14:14)
  • Michelle: “Thanks. Actually, that table's dirty. Change my mind.” (14:26)
  • Lindsay: “Keep in mind, they'll probably clean it for us if we ask.” (14:34)

This exchange exemplifies the different uses of "mind" in context, illustrating how the word functions within daily conversations.

Personal Anecdotes and Insights

The hosts share personal stories to relate the lesson to real-life experiences:

• Michelle discusses the challenges of motherhood, such as dealing with imperfect situations like dirty tables at Costco, emphasizing the importance of letting go to reduce wasted energy (16:08).

• Lindsay reflects on parenting and the necessity of accepting imperfection, stating, “the house, it's not going to be perfect” (16:20).

These anecdotes underscore the practical application of "mind" in everyday life and personal relationships.

Tips and Takeaways for Learners

Lindsay and Michelle offer strategic advice to help learners effectively incorporate the word "mind" into their English usage:

1. Focus on One Meaning at a Time:

   • Start with the meaning that feels most natural and gradually incorporate others to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
   • Lindsay suggests, “focus on one. Make it like, let your brain separate it out” (17:13).

2. Use "In My Mind" for Opinions:

   • Encourages sharing opinions to build connections, as Michelle points out, “ask others for their opinions on anything in life” (17:13).

3. Incorporate Phrases Into Daily Life:

   • Integrate new phrases through listening to podcasts, watching YouTube channels, and practicing in conversational settings.
   • Lindsay advises, “Listen to a fun podcast, watch a YouTube channel, make it easy to consume” (13:04).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a recap of the key points and encouragement for listeners to apply the lessons:

• Main Takeaway: Understanding the different meanings of "mind" can significantly enhance conversational skills and foster better connections.

• Encouragement: The hosts motivate listeners to practice one meaning at a time and emphasize the importance of sharing opinions to build rapport.

• Final Words: “If you're going to take away any one phrase, take away that one and get comfortable sharing your opinion” (17:39).

Lindsay and Michelle wrap up by thanking Omid for his insightful question and inviting listeners to explore more episodes for further learning opportunities.

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Notable Quotes

• “[00:00] A: This is an All Ears English podcast, episode 2328. Do you mind if we teach you new phrases today?”
• “[05:05] A: We could do a whole course on the word mind. I mean, we could do a whole podcast, All Ears English mind.”
• “[12:19] A: Makes sense in America.”
• “[17:13] B: Looking into how you can frequently use in my mind, because this is a gateway to a connection skill because what this leads to is you sharing your opinion and that leads to connection because that helps people know you better.”

Additional Resources

Listeners are encouraged to visit AllEarsEnglish.com to access transcripts, subscribe for weekly updates, and take a free 2-minute quiz to determine their English level. The podcast also invites feedback and questions via email at [e-mail], fostering an interactive and supportive learning community.

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By dissecting the multifaceted uses of "mind," this episode not only enhances vocabulary but also equips learners with the nuanced understanding necessary for fluent and natural English conversations. Whether you're expressing thoughts, opinions, or asking for consideration, mastering "mind" can significantly improve your ability to connect and communicate effectively in American English.

Transcript

[A]

This is an All Ears English podcast, episode 2328. Do you mind if we teach you new phrases today?

[B]

Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection, with your American hosts, Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl, coming to you from Colorado and New York City, usa. And to get your transcripts delivered by email every week, go to allearsenglish.com subscribe in today's episode, our listener, Omid, asks us how to use the word mind. We we show you three key meanings of this word, plus we give you tips on one way to open a connection with one key mind phrase.

[C]

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[B]

Hey, Michelle, I've got a question for you today.

[A]

Oh, what's the question?

[B]

All right, so who is in your mind the best actor or actress of our generation?

[A]

Ooh, okay. Well, I question. I mean, I think the easy answer is Tom Hanks. That's. Yes, that's who I would go with. What do you think?

[B]

Geez. Meryl Streep.

[A]

Meryl Streep.

[B]

I think Meryl Streep is fantastic.

[A]

She.

[B]

She's really good. Kathy Bates is really good.

[A]

Oh, she is very good.

[B]

She's really good.

[A]

I'm thinking, oh, Judy Dench. Oh, Judy Phoenix.

[B]

Judy Dench. I think Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic. Yeah, Judy Dench. I don't know her, but yeah, I.

[A]

Don'T know her either. No, I just. I don't know her personally. You were saying?

[B]

Oh, I don't know. Could you introduce me? Right. No.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That's funny. So it's a great question. And in the question I asked you, who in your mind is the best actor? So that is giving our listeners a little hint into what we're talking about today in your mind. And this idea of the word mind and so many different ways we use it in English, right?

[A]

Oh, yeah, for sure. So we are going to get into that today because we have a great listener question. We love your questions, guys. Before we do that, Lindsay, we've been doing these fun polls on Spotify, and we're going to share the results for one of our polls today. And this was, this was a fun one. Remember this episode? It was a Saturday episode. It was, what's your return policy? English vocabulary for shopping? So, guys, if you haven't listened to that one, definitely head on over.

[B]

It was a sassy Saturday and we asked the question, you know, do you. Because we got into conversation about norms and, and kind of cultural norms, expectations about taking price tags off of gifts before you gift the gift. Right. And we asked, do you take price tags off of gifts? Yes or no? Very interesting. We have an overwhelming majority. 84% yes and 15% said no. I'm curious about the people.

[A]

That doesn't equal 100%.

[B]

Equal 100%. We'll just pretend.

[A]

All right.

[B]

Our math is a little silly, but we don't know. But yeah. So I wonder about the goes if in your culture it's not expected the way it is here. Right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's a little bit of a faux pas here to leave the price tag on when you gift something.

[A]

Right. So very interesting. So thanks for answering that, everyone. And today we're going to answer this listener question about the word mind. And guys, we want to remind you to hit follow wherever you are. Listening to the All Ears English podcast. So you never miss anything from us. Never miss a bonus. Let us come to you.

[B]

Don't miss a thing. All right. And don't forget, we're also on YouTube, which is exactly where this question came from. Michelle, shall I go ahead and read the question?

[A]

All right. Please do.

[B]

All right. This is from Om Zakari 7393 here. She says hi, Lindsay and Michelle, thank you so much for your amazing podcast. I've been listening to your podcast for about nine years, Michelle. It's amazing. This is a nine year listener.

[A]

This nine year listener.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. This is so wonderful.

[A]

Almost. Almost.

[B]

Since we started the show. We started the show years ago, so that's truly amazing. We love our longtime listeners and our new listeners, of course.

[A]

Yes. Here's.

[B]

All right, so would you mind telling me the various meanings of mind? Because I think it has many meanings. Thank you in advance. Omid from Iran. Fantastic question, Omid.

[A]

Great question. Yeah, I mean, we could just talk. We could do a whole course on the word mind. I mean, we could do. We could do a whole podcast, All Ears English mind. Yeah, because there's just so many ways to use the word mind, including an idioms and just so many Ways I can't even count. But today we're gonna focus and we can always do follow ups. We can always do more, but we're gonna focus on three main ways. Yeah. That we use it today.

[B]

I like that idea, Michelle. Let's break it up and kind of into three buckets in a way of buckets of meaning. Right. Three different buckets. And that'll keep it simple. And then of course we can do, like you said, we can do other episodes if there's a specific phrase our listeners want to know about. Email us to [e-mail] let us know. We can come back to this term. But these are the big buckets here that we need to know about. So what's the first one?

[A]

Well, the first one is about your brain, about your thoughts. So someone's mind is their brain, but it can also be thought so. For example, he has a very strong mind. So that would be, you know, maybe, maybe his, he's very smart or he is a big brain or something like that. This just all goes to your brain, really. Or what's the next one?

[B]

I changed my mind. Meaning you decided something different from what you had decided before. Right. You took a different path.

[A]

Okay, Right. And the next one, this is in my mind. So we were asking this question at the beginning. I said who? Lindsay said, who in your mind? Right. So it's like in your opinion. So again, your thoughts.

[B]

And this is a really good conversation starter. Right. I hear this from a lot of people in my mind. You know, it's better to eat oatmeal in the morning than cornflakes. Right. For example, anytime you want to express your opinion, this is a super native and natural. So I think if our listeners take away anything, this could be a candidate to take away to remember how to use this. And then just as a fun bonus, we'll add the movie A Beautiful Mind. Right?

[A]

Oh, that's right.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Did you see it?

[A]

I, you know, I know, I saw, I, I, I saw, I know there's, there's a big twist.

[B]

Oh, it's a great movie. Yeah, it's a big.

[A]

Sorry, go ahead. Yeah, I just remember the twist. I think I did see the whole thing though.

[B]

Yeah. The story of John Nash, the Princeton professor. I don't know if it's a true story. I think it might actually be a true story or based on a true story. He had schizophrenia, but he was also a genius. Professor, mathematician, I think. Check out the movie. It's worth it.

[A]

It's just, it's One of those where there's. Oh, I love movies with a big twist like that. You know what I'm talking about?

[B]

Sure. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, for sure.

[B]

For sure.

[A]

So, Lindsay, what about changing your mind? So do. Would you say you've changed your mind about things? Frequently.

[B]

O. I think I'm usually pretty. I usually take some time to consider which direction I want to go in when I have a choice, and I usually don't. I try not to go back on that because once I've decided, there's a reason I've decided.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And I try to stick with it and not change my mind. What about you, Michelle? Do you change your mind a lot? Go back and forth?

[A]

Oh, yeah, tons. But once the decision is made, I don't. I don't think I go back on it that frequently, but I have a lot of buyer's remorse. I mean, I'm always thinking, did I do the right thing? But I don't necessarily change anything.

[B]

Buyer's remorse is just a. A fact of human psychology. It's our brain kind of praying, playing tricks on us, I think, you know, it's. But yeah, we don't always have to list to it, Right?

[A]

Yes. Yeah, exactly. Okay, so. Yes. Now let's move on to the next bucket. Oh, in. Yes. Now I was looking ahead. So the next one is really about caring or bothering.

[B]

Okay, so this is where.

[A]

Yes, this is different. So do you mind if I move this seat? So it's like, will this bother you? Do you care?

[B]

Right. In this case, we're using this as more of a verb. Right. It's no longer a noun of your brain. In your mind, it's a verb.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

To care or bother. Love that.

[A]

Yeah. And what's another example?

[B]

Yeah, I don't mind if you're a few minutes late, but the boss might. Right? Yeah. Oh, not good.

[A]

No, no. Lindsay, does KE Forever have to go outside in the middle of the night?

[B]

Only if he's sick. We've had a couple of just horrible scenarios where we were traveling and he had diarrhea and he had to go out, like 10 times in the middle of the night. And. But that's only when he's having a. Usually. Yeah.

[A]

So do. Would you. Do you mind getting up in the middle of the night for that?

[B]

Oh, it's awful. But I just. I hate the idea of him, you know, whining and being uncomfortable. You know, I hate that idea. So. Of course. Yeah. I would rather get up and take him out.

[A]

Yeah, of course. Of course.

[D]

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[B]

Okay, Michelle, what else? What else here?

[A]

Okay. And the third one that we're going to focus on is this idea of being careful or taking care to do something. This one thinks. Makes me think of, you know, in London when they say mind the gap.

[B]

Oh my gosh. So famous.

[A]

So famous. Right? So when you, you know, it's about when you're getting on the tube and making sure that you don't fall into the little hole. So they say.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, it's kind of fun. That, that really is more of a British way of using mind.

[A]

Right?

[B]

Yes. Meaning when the British people will use mind, meaning pay attention to. But we don't really use that that way in American English. Like you would never hear the woman on the subway coming on the loudspeaker and saying mind the gas. No, she does. She says other things.

[A]

Get off the train, stop holding the doors. Yeah, no, it would not sound that proper.

[B]

It would also include a lot of four letter words.

[A]

But yes, that's New York. That's New York.

[B]

Right. So. So it's important to point that out. Yeah. Pay attention to only is you. We only use mind in that context. Really In British English probably Australian English.

[A]

Right. Or this really like you probably heard of mind your manners. That's similar. We don't use that that much. But somebody I could see in, in certain situations, maybe in a class for. What is it called, you know, when you're learning about manners. Yeah, yeah, something like that. Mind your manners. Or you know, a mother might say that if they're being mind your manners.

[B]

And it's funny how in this phrase mind your manners. Mind also means pay attention. Kind of means pay attention to in a sense. But.

[A]

Right.

[B]

You do in this, in American English because it's a chunk and it probably does come from, you know, because British roots. Right. But we do use this and this. But we don't use oh, mind this, mind that as non chunks if that.

[A]

Makes sense in America. I, I agree with you. And that the last one, this is also about being careful or taking care to do something. This one is Very common, in my opinion. What do you think?

[B]

Yeah, this one's kind of a combination of the first bucket and the sec and the third bucket in a way that's kind of cool, right?

[A]

It's true. Keep in all these buckets. Keep in mind. So it's that being. What does that mean?

[B]

Basically, just don't forget, make sure attention. So it's. It's paying attention is the third bucket. And it's also keeping your head, keeping your brain. The fact that the report is due at 12, not at 1.

[A]

Keep that in your brain. Yep, exactly. Keep in mind that the report is due at 12, not one. Exactly. So, Lindsay, what do you think is important to keep in mind when learning a new language?

[B]

I think especially at the beginning levels, but at all levels, it's so important to get input. Meaning. Listen, exactly what our listeners are doing right now, we want to make it part of our daily life. Preferably part of our entertainment of our daily life. Right. Listen to a fun podcast, watch a YouTube channel, make it easy to consume, and you don't have to understand every word. That is okay. But you get your. You're accustomed to hearing the sounds of English.

[A]

Yeah. Love it. Yep. So, guys, keep that in mind when working on your English. Lindsay, should we do a role play?

[B]

Let's do it. Michelle. In this scenario, we are friends having lunch. Nice.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Hey, Michelle, do you mind if we move to that table over there? I'm a little cold.

[A]

Oh, no, that's fine. I don't mind.

[B]

Thanks. Actually. Oh, that table's dirty. Change my mind.

[A]

Oh, that makes sense. Keep in mind, they will probably killing it for us if we ask.

[B]

Okay, then let's move.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I'm really taking on a roller coaster ride here.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, gosh. All right, so here, you said. I said, hey, Michelle, do you mind if we move to that table over there? I'm a little cold.

[A]

Right. So this is that second bucket. Right? To care. Do you care? Right. Does it bother you? And then I. I echoed that. I said, I don't mind, so that doesn't bother me. That's fine.

[B]

That's fine. Yeah, Yeah, I don't mind. And then I said, thanks. Actually, that table's dirty. Change my mind.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Lynn's driving you crazy.

[B]

Y.

[A]

Driving me crazy. Yeah. And then I said, that makes sense. Keep in mind, they'll probably clean it for us if they. If we ask. So keep in mind, if that's that third bucket.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Being. Well, third and. Right. A little Bit of a bucket mix here. Keep it, keep in mind, remember, keep it in your head. Right.

[B]

Remember. Yeah. It makes me think. One thing that when I practice, when I do my meditation practice, one thing that we try to focus on is learning to live with a little discomfort and not constantly moving to accommodate the discomfort. And it just. This conversation reminds me of that. We spend so much of our lives trying to make everything just perfect. Everything has to be rearranged, everything has to be perfectly clean. And it's a lot of wasted energy in a way. If we could just sit at the table that has. Is a little dirty, that might actually be okay. You know, it's interesting, right? Yeah, I know.

[A]

Yeah. And I think that that can change as you. You get older. I don't know. For me, I guess to me, what it makes me think of is as a mom, I have to just kind of let a bunch of things go. You know, the house, it's not going to be perfect. Also just something as simple as, you know, when you go for food. And like we, you know, we went. I remember so we went to Costco and they have the little eating area and it was so crazy, crazy with my kids and I normally I would have wiped down the table and everything. And here, you know, you just, you can't. You just have to let some things go.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So, you know, it's not perfect, but, you know, you just have to.

[B]

You're doing your best. Yeah. No, that makes it. I'm sure that nothing teaches you that faster than being a mom. A hundred percent.

[A]

That, whatever, it's fine.

[B]

I think our listeners are going to identify with that for sure. Michelle, where should our listeners go to find another episode, a winning episode of Allers English?

[A]

Okay, guys, head on over and listen to why you should not say, for your information, excellent.

[B]

Any final takeaway, anything or listener. I love how we've broken down today's episode into three important buckets.

[A]

Yeah, right, Right. So guys, I mean, if I were you, I would focus on one, the one that feels most natural to you. Start off with one. See if, go out today and see if you can. If you can use one that you identify with the most and then week, try another one. So don't feel like you have to use all of these at the same time. Right. Just focus on one. Make it like, let your brain separate it out. Because there are so many uses of this. So because of that, we don't want to overwhelm ourselves.

[B]

Yeah. And I would say if we, if I could recommend any, as I did at the top of the show. Looking into how you can frequently use in my mind, because this is a gateway to a connection skill because what this leads to is you sharing your opinion and that leads to connection because that helps people know you better. So if you're going to take away any one phrase, take away that one and get, get comfortable sharing your opinion and asking others for their opinions on anything in life, right?

[A]

Yeah, yeah, exactly. I love it. All right. Well, thank you so much, Lindsay, and thank you to Omid for this question. This was a really great one.

[B]

Excellent, guys. Hit the follow button right now on All Ears English and we'll see you next time. All right.

[A]

All right.

[B]

Bye bye. Thanks for listening to All Ears English with. Would you like to know your English level? Take our 2 minute quiz, go to allearsenglish.com fluencyscore and if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.