Grammar fix
never mind
even less possible
Used after a negative statement to show that a second thing is even less possible or likely.
expression
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I can barely find time to exercise, never mind train for a marathon.
I don't have enough space for a proper desk, never mind a separate room for studying, so I usually work at the kitchen table.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I can't boil an egg, never mind to cook a meal.
Say: I can't boil an egg, never mind cook a meal.
In this pattern, use a bare verb after 'never mind'; British speakers commonly use this structure.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Say the next thing is even less likely
Which regional tendencyBritishAmerican
never mindYou're here · Especially British, informal: 'I can't boil an egg, never mind cook.'
let aloneAfter a negative, emphasise an even less possible second thing.much lessMore American and more formal than let alone.