Practise raising a noise problem calmly and making a precise request.

The idea

Say when and how often the noise occurs and how it affects you; use Would you mind…? followed by an -ing form for a polite request.

Examples

  • The music has been loud after midnight on several occasions this month.
  • The bass carries through the wall into my bedroom.
  • I realise you may not have noticed how clearly it can be heard next door.
  • Would you mind turning it down after ten in the evening?
  • Could we agree on a quieter time for rehearsals during the week?
  • Thank you for talking this through with me.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not use the base verb after Would you mind: say turning, not turn.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose a later start: The drilling has happened every morning this week; could it start ___ nine? (after / before)

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    after

    after sets a later starting time for the drilling.

  2. Complete the polite request: Would you ___ lowering the television in the evening? (mind / rather)

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    mind

    mind completes a polite request followed by the action.

  3. Choose the verb: The noise travels through the floor and makes it hard to ___. (sleep / silent)

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    sleep

    sleep names an activity that the noise makes difficult.

Use it today

Describe a recurring noise, its effect and one specific change that would help.