Never Mind vs. Nevermind: Which Is Correct?

You’ve probably seen both nevermind and never mind, but only one is correct in most situations.

Here’s the short rule:

• ✅ Never mind — the correct phrase meaning don’t worry about it or ignore that.
• ⚠️ Nevermind — a noun, rarely used, meaning no importance or no attention.

1. Never Mind: The Correct and Common Phrase

Meaning

“Never mind” is a two-word phrase used to tell someone to ignore or forget something, or to say it doesn’t matter.
It’s common in everyday English.

Examples (10 total)

1. Never mind, it’s not a big deal.
2. Oh, never mind — I found it!
3. Never mind what they say, just do your best.
4. Never mind the mess; I’ll clean it later.
5. “Do you need help?” — “Never mind, I’m done already.”
6. Never mind the rain; we’ll still go out.
7. “What were you saying?” — “Oh, never mind.”
8. Never mind about the delay; it happens.
9. He tried to explain, but she said, “Never mind.”
10. Never mind, we’ll fix it tomorrow.

🧠 Tip:
If you can replace it with don’t worry about it or forget it, the correct form is never mind.

2. Nevermind: A Rare Noun (and a Band Name)

Meaning

“Nevermind” (one word) is not used as a phrase in normal grammar.
It’s a noun, meaning no importance or no attention paid to something, and it’s very rare in modern English.

It’s best known today because of Nirvana’s 1991 album “Nevermind.”

Examples (5 total)

1. He paid it no nevermind. (Old-fashioned)
2. She walked away, giving it no nevermind.
3. That’s of little nevermind to me.
4. The word “nevermind” is rarely used outside literature.
5. Nirvana’s Nevermind changed rock music forever.

🧠 Tip:
Unless you’re referring to the Nirvana album or writing something poetic, avoid nevermind.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 Never mind = everyday English phrase.
👉 Nevermind = only for special uses (old-fashioned or Nirvana fans).

💡 Memory Trick:

If you can say “forget it,” it’s two words: never mind.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Nevermind, I’ll call you later.
✅ Never mind, I’ll call you later.

❌ I said nevermind what they think.
✅ I said never mind what they think.

6. Why It’s Confusing

People often see nevermind online (especially from Nirvana’s Nevermind album title), so they assume it’s correct.
However, dictionaries and grammar guides agree that “never mind” (two words) is standard English.

Even smart AI grammar tools like Humanizey follow this rule automatically when rewriting text.

FAQs

1. Is “nevermind” wrong?

Not technically, but it’s nonstandard and rare outside creative or poetic writing.

2. Which should I use in emails or essays?

Always use never mind — it’s the grammatically correct choice.

3. Why did Nirvana use “Nevermind”?

The band used it stylistically, meaning “don’t worry about it” — but the title is informal, not grammatical.

4. Is there a difference in pronunciation?

No — both are pronounced the same: /ˈnevərˌmaɪnd/.

Practice: Choose the Correct Form (“Never Mind” or “Nevermind”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. Oh, ___, I found my keys!
2. He gave it no ___.
3. ___ the noise outside; just focus.
4. I said ___ what they think.
5. That’s of little ___ to me.
6. ___, we’ll fix it later.
7. She said, “___, I’m fine.”
8. The band released ___ in 1991.
9. ___ the rain — it’s just water.
10. He walked away, giving it no ___.

Answers

1. never mind
2. nevermind
3. never mind
4. never mind
5. nevermind
6. never mind
7. never mind
8. Nevermind
9. never mind
10. nevermind