Two English verbs, remember and remind, are often confused. This guide focuses on remember, which means to recall or bring something to mind. You will learn how to use remember correctly with examples, including how it works with other words.
What Does “Remember” Mean?
Remember means “to bring a past fact, event, or task into your mind.” It’s something you do yourself.
- It’s about recalling information from memory.
- You can remember people, dates, tasks, facts, or feelings.
- It can be used with or without objects (e.g., Remember to call me. / I remember.)
How to Use “Remember” (Grammar Patterns)
Remember can be followed by different types of words:
- Remember + noun/pronoun: I remember her. / Do you remember the trip?
- Remember + to + verb: Remember to lock the door. (Remember to do something in the future)
- Remember + verb + -ing: I remember meeting him. (Recall a past action)
Remember is usually used in the present tense when talking about general memory or giving commands.
Examples
| Type | English Examples | English Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Remember + noun/pronoun | I remember my first day at school. | Do you remember John? |
| Remember + to + verb | Remember to bring your homework. | Don’t forget to call Mom. |
| Remember + verb + -ing | I remember visiting Paris last year. | She remembers playing in the park. |
“Remember” vs. “Remind”
- Remember is what you do: I remember the meeting.
- Remind is what you do to someone else: Please remind me about the meeting.
Remind always has a direct object (someone who is reminded) and is followed by “to + verb.”\
(We’ll cover remind in detail in a separate guide.)
Fill in the blank: ____ me about the meeting tomorrow.
Remind me about the meeting tomorrow.
'Remind' is used when you ask someone else to help you recall something. It’s always followed by an object (someone) and 'to + verb.'
Who does the subject do the recalling in the sentence: 'I remember the meeting'?
The subject recalls the meeting themselves.
'Remember' means the subject recalls the information themselves.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Tip 1: Use “remember to + verb” for future tasks.
- Remember to email the report.* (Do it later)
- Avoid: Remember email the report. (incorrect)
Tip 2: Use “remember + verb + -ing” for past memories.
- I remember meeting her at the party.*
- Avoid: I remember to meet her at the party. (incorrect—means something else)
Tip 3: Do not use an object when the meaning is clear.
- Remember to be quiet.*
- Avoid: Remember you to be quiet. (incorrect)
Tip 4: Choose “remember” vs. “remind” based on who is doing the recalling.
- Remember: You recall yourself.
- Remind: Someone else helps you recall.
Summary: If you are talking about yourself recalling something, use remember. If you are talking about prompting someone else to recall, use remind.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Type: Remember + noun/pronoun
- English Examples: Do you remember John?
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
