Lesson

Expressing reactions, eg indifference

React to news and events

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Expressing reactions: indifference

Indifference phrases let you show that something does not matter to you. In business English it's important to choose the right tone — from neutral to blunt — depending on the situation.

  • Use neutral expressions to stay polite in meetings and emails.
  • Use stronger expressions only in informal contexts or when you want to be blunt.
  • Consider formality and the relationship with the listener before choosing a phrase.

Table

Common expressions for indifference

Expression Meaning Formality Example
I don't mind Neutral: I'm okay with any option Neutral / Formal I don't mind which date we choose for the meeting.
It doesn't matter to me Neutral: No preference Neutral / Formal It doesn't matter to me whether we use Zoom or Teams.
That makes no difference to me Formal: No impact on my decision Formal That makes no difference to me for the project timeline.
I'm not bothered Informal: I'm not concerned either way Informal I'm not bothered if the team moves the deadline.
So what? Blunt: Shows dismissive indifference Very informal / Impolite So what? If they're late, it's their problem.
I couldn't care less Strong: I don't care at all Informal / Rude in some contexts I couldn't care less about office politics.
Whatever Dismissive: accept any option without concern Informal Whatever — choose whichever vendor you prefer.

Tip

Key rule: Match tone to context

Choose your expression based on formality and relationship:

  • Formal/neutral: 'I don't mind' or 'It doesn't matter to me' in emails and meetings.
  • Informal/polite: 'I'm not bothered' or 'That's fine with me' with colleagues.
  • Blunt/dismissive: 'I couldn't care less' or 'So what?' only in casual or emotional contexts.

When in doubt, use the more neutral option to stay professional.

Example

Examples in context

I don't mind which supplier we choose; both offer good terms.

It doesn't matter to me if the presentation is Monday or Tuesday.

I'm not bothered about the color of the brochures — pick one.

So what? If they missed the deadline, we can proceed without them.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make pragmatic or formality errors when expressing indifference. Watch out for these universal mistakes:

  • Using a blunt phrase in a formal setting (e.g., 'So what?' in a client email).
  • Confusing tone: using strong expressions that sound rude when neutrality is intended.
  • Incorrect word order or contraction usage: e.g., 'I couldn't less care' (wrong) instead of 'I couldn't care less'.
  • Using literal translations from your language that don't exist or sound odd in English.

When in doubt, choose neutral and polite language.

Quiz

Choose the meaning of 'I couldn't care less':

Hint: Think about the strongest way to say 'I don't care'.

Quiz

Complete: I _____ — you can decide.

Hint: Use a phrase that shows neutral acceptance.

Quiz

Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal email to a client?

Hint: Choose the most formal and neutral option.

Key Points

Expression

I don't mind

expression CEFR B1 //aɪ doʊnt maɪnd//

A neutral phrase meaning the speaker has no preference.

I don't mind working late if the team needs me.

Expression

It doesn't matter to me

expression CEFR B2 //ɪt ˈdʌzənt ˈmætər tu mi//

A polite way to say you have no preference or that something is not important to you.

It doesn't matter to me which office we use for the meeting.

Expression

I couldn't care less

expression CEFR B2 //aɪ ˈkʊdnt keər lɛs//

A strong informal phrase meaning the speaker has absolutely no interest or concern.

I couldn't care less about the rumor going around the office.

Expression

So what?

expression CEFR B2 //soʊ wʌt//

A blunt, dismissive response that shows indifference or contempt.

When he complained, she replied, 'So what? We have deadlines to meet.'

Expression

I'm not bothered

expression CEFR B1 //aɪm nɒt ˈbɒðərd//

An informal phrase meaning you are not concerned or inconvenienced.

I'm not bothered if we change the meeting time to the afternoon.

Expression

That makes no difference to me

expression CEFR B2 //ðæt meɪks noʊ ˈdɪfrəns tu mi//

A formal way to state that two options have equal impact on you.

If you prefer to postpone, that makes no difference to me as long as the deliverable is on time.