Own, care, mind, and deal are handy, versatile English words, but sometimes students aren’t sure how to apply them correctly. Learn their proper usages to expand your vocabulary and use these words with confidence!
Read the definitions and examples, and then think of your own examples to use in sentences.
Own
to own something = to possess something
Daniela doesn’t rent. She owns her home.
possessive adjective + own = belonging only to
The boys share a bedroom, but they dream of each having their own.
Is that your own work, or did you get mom to write it for you again?
owner = a person who owns something
Who runs the business? Juan does. He is the owner.
ownership = the state of owning.
Joseph has ownership of the company. He owns it.
to own/to own up to something = to acknowledge, take responsibility or confess
It’s better just to be honest and own up to our mistakes.
to disown = to formally end all ties with someone
John’s family disowned him when he went to prison.
to be on + possessive adjective + own = alone/by yourself
Tammy is upset. She asked to leave her alone for awhile. She wants to be on her own.
to do something on + possessive adjective + own = to do something without assistance
The renovations look great! Did you hire a contractor, or did you do all this on your own?
to come into + possessive adjective + own = To be successful and fulfilled
Once she entered the work force, she really came into her own.
to hold your own = to defend yourself well
The other fighter is stronger, but we are confident that Karen will hold her own in the tournament.
to each their own = Everyone has a right to their preferences.
I’d never wear that sweater. It’s so ugly! But hey, to each their own.
Care
to care (about) = to consider important
Do you care about sports?
to care for = to like / to provide assistance
Martin doesn’t care for broccoli.
Max cares for his sick mother when he isn’t at work.
to take care of = to provide assistance/to take responsibility for something
Max is taking care of his sick mother.
Don’t worry about the bill. I’ll take care of it.
could care less about something = to emphatically not care (This expression can be rude.)
I could care less if it rains. I’m planning to stay in bed all day anyway.
Do you think I should order the fish or the chicken? I could care less what you order. -Rude!
careful = prudent, thoughtful, cautious
Please be careful with that vase. It belonged to my grandmother.
careless = not attentive or thoughtful
You should think before you speak. You make careless remarks that hurt people’s feelings.
Take care! = Good bye!
See you next week. Take care (of yourself).
would you care for something = Can I offer you something?
Would you care for something to drink?
Would you care to see the menu?
Mind
the mind = the part of a person that is aware, and that thinks and feels
The human mind has the capacity to invent wonderful things.
to mind = to monitor in order to protect or attend to
The nanny minds the children when they are at home.
Do you mind? = Are you bothered or annoyed by something/an expression of annoyance
Do you mind if I stay over? The storm has gotten worse and it’s really late.
Do you mind? You are stepping on my shoe. (Rude!)
to not mind = to not be bothered or annoyed by something
Please, stay over if you like. We don’t mind.
to change + possessive pronoun + mind = to modify a previous decision or opinion
Oh wait! I change my mind. I don’t want the chicken. Please bring me lasagna instead.
The activist wrote a book that he hopes will change people’s minds in the issue.
to keep/bear in mind = remember something important
Bear in mind that the traffic will be heavy tomorrow. You might want to give yourself extra time to get to work.
You’re allergic to nuts? I’ll be sure to keep that in mind when I plan the menu.
to make up + possessive adjective + mind = to decide
It’s a big decision. Linda asked for a few days to make up her mind.
I can’t make up my mind on what to wear to the party.
to be mindful of something = to be aware of something.
I’m sorry to rush you, but I’m mindful of the time. I don’t want to arrive late.
to speak + possessive adjective + mind = to speak freely and bluntly
If you think you were treated unfairly, then speak your mind.
be on + possessive adjective + mind = thinking about
You have been on my mind lately.
Camilo has been distracted. He has a lot on his mind.
What do you have in mind? = What is your idea?
Your proposal sounds interesting. What do you have in mind?
all in + possessive adjective + mind= it is imagined and not real
Marks’ girlfriend is always accusing him of cheating. He says that he is faithful and that it’s all in her mind.
Out of sight, out of mind = An expression that means something is overlooked when it doesn’t have an immediate, personal impact, or that someone is easily forgotten when they are away
It’s too easy for the public to ignore domestic violence. Out of sight, out of mind.
You didn’t write to me even once while I was away. Out of sight, out of mind, I guess.
Deal
a deal = an agreement
We want to hire you for the contract. Let’s meet next week and see if we can work out a deal.
The company reneged. They went back on their end of the deal.
a good/great deal = a bargain/a lot
We bought the TV on Black Friday, so we got a great deal. It was half off!
Sam’s parents went to a good deal of effort and expense to ensure her success.
Things could have been a great deal worse. You were lucky.
a dealer = a person who buys and sells something/slang for a drug dealer
We bought the arm chair from an antique dealer.
The police suspect that he is a dealer.
a done deal = finished or completed/a fait accompli
There’s no point in complaining about it anymore. You signed the contract. It’s a done deal.
a big deal = something or someone important
Lorna is something of a big deal around here. She’s friends with the president of the company.
Don’t worry about it. It isn’t a big deal.
a deal breaker = something which prevents a deal or relationship from continuing
No, I don’t accept your apology. You hit me, and violence is a deal breaker for me.
to deal with = to cope/ to take care of a problem
I can’t deal with this right now.
Deal with the problem, and report back when it’s resolved.
Try the quiz and answer the questions!
FURTHER READING
Etymology Dictionary – Learn about the origin of these English words.
