Matter, Mind, or Care?

I don’t mind and it doesn’t matter

I don’t mind and it doesn’t matter are both phrases that can be used to express indifference to something. However, there is a subtle difference in their meaning. I don’t mind suggests that you are personally indifferent to something or that you are happy to do any of the options available. Whereas it doesn’t matter suggests that something is not important or significant.

What about I don’t care?

I don’t care means that something is not important to me personally. It can also mean that you are not worried about something or that you are upset about something.

Sometimes all three of these expressions are possible or correct in a sentence. However, they will create subtle differences. The most important perhaps is that I don’t care can express strong negative emotions.

Here are some examples of how to use the phrases I don’t mind, I don’t care, and it doesn’t matter in sentences:

• I don’t mind if you have the last slice of cake.
• It doesn’t matter what you wear.
• I don’t mind waiting a few minutes.
• It doesn’t matter if we don’t go to the cinema tonight.
• I don’t mind what you think.
• I don’t care what you think!
• It doesn’t matter to me.
• I don’t care what you think of me.