Remember + Gérondif vs Infinitif
passée, c'est remember + -ing. Pour une obligation future, c'est remember + to-infinitive.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'to' for things you need to do (tasks) and '-ing' for things you already did (memories).
- Remember + to-infinitive = A task or duty you must perform (e.g., Remember to call Mom).
- Remember + gerund (-ing) = A memory of a past event (e.g., I remember calling Mom).
- The negative 'Don't forget to' is the same as 'Remember to' (e.g., Don't forget to lock up).
Overview
remember est un peu un métamorphe.-ing), tu regardes en arrière vers un souvenir. Si tu utilises un infinitif (la forme avec to), tu regardes vers l'avant vers une tâche.remembered sending (te souvenais d'avoir envoyé) un e-mail (tu as le souvenir) alors que tu voulais dire que tu remembered to send (as pensé à envoyer) l'e-mail (tu as fait la tâche). Une erreur te fait passer pour un pro, l'autre te donne l'air de ghoster ton équipe. ou Je me souviens l'avoir fait !"How This Grammar Works
changement de sens. La plupart des verbes en anglais sont difficiles — ils n'aiment que l'une ou l'autre forme. Mais remember est flexible.-ing, l'action s'est produite en premier. Tu l'as vécue, puis tu t'en es souvenu plus tard.to signifie que le souvenir arrive en premier. Tu penses à la tâche, puis tu la fais.-ing comme un album photo et le to comme un post-it sur ton frigo. Si tu envoies un texto à un ami à propos d'un concert, tu dirais : I remember dancing to that song.Si tu leur rappelles quelque chose pour demain, tu dirais :
Remember to bring your ID.C'est un changement subtil qui change tout.
I remembered to buy milk,tu as du lait. Si tu dis
I remember buying milk,tu as peut-être du lait, mais tu as surtout un flashback du supermarché. C'est un petit peu de magie qui t'aide à naviguer entre réalité et souvenir.
Formation Pattern
remember + Verbe-ing. Exemple : I remember meeting him.
remember + to + Base Verbale. Exemple : I remembered to call her.
I don't remember seeing that movie. (Le visionnage a peut-être eu lieu ou non).
I didn't remember to lock the door. (Le verrouillage n'a définitivement pas eu lieu).
Remember to + Base Verbale. Exemple : Remember to like and subscribe!
Do you remember going there?
Did you remember to pay?
When To Use It
remember + -ing chaque fois que tu te sens nostalgique. Pense aux légendes Instagram pour un post Throwback Thursday. I remember hiking this trail last year.Tout tourne autour de l'expérience.
sentiments du verbe. Maintenant, passe à remember + to pour tout ce qui implique un emploi du temps ou une responsabilité.Please remember to leave the bag on the porch.C'est la version
action. C'est aussi super pour être un bon ami.Remember to text me when you get home!est un classique. Tu peux aussi l'utiliser dans un cadre professionnel.
Did you remember to attach the file?est une question que chaque stagiaire redoute.
to. Si c'est dans une galerie photo, utilise -ing. C'est comme choisir entre un documentaire Netflix (le passé) et une notification de calendrier (le futur).
Common Mistakes
to quand tu parles d'un souvenir. I remember to visit Parisdonne l'impression que tu as une tâche récurrente d'aller en France chaque matin. À moins que tu ne sois un pilote milliardaire, c'est probablement faux. Tu veux dire
I remember visiting Paris.Un autre classique est d'oublier le
to dans un rappel. Remember call me! te fait passer pour un homme des cavernes. C'est toujours remember to call. N'oublie pas que remember lui-même doit être conjugué. I remembering to do itest un désastre. Ça devrait être
I remembered to do it.Fais aussi attention au piège de
forget. Forget suit exactement la même logique ! I forgot to lock the door(je ne l'ai pas fait) vs "I'll never forget locking the door" (j'ai le souvenir). Les gens les mélangent souvent lors des entretiens d'embauche. Si tu dis
I remembered to lead that project,on dirait que tu as fait ton boulot. Si tu dis
I remember leading that project,tu parles de l'expérience de l'avoir fait. Mal utiliser ces formes peut donner l'impression que tu es soit très distrait, soit que tu vis dans un monde imaginaire. Et soyons honnêtes, on a déjà assez de ça sur les réseaux sociaux. Garde tes tâches et tes souvenirs chacun dans leur voie.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
forget est le frère jumeau de remember. Il suit les mêmes règles -ing (souvenir) et to (tâche). Ensuite, il y a stop.Stop est différent. Stop smoking signifie que tu arrêtes l'habitude.Stop to smoke signifie que tu as interrompu ta marche pour fumer une cigarette. Ce n'est pas une question de souvenir vs tâche ici ; c'est le but de l'arrêt. Try se comporte aussi différemment.Try to open the door signifie que tu as essayé mais peut-être échoué. Try opening the window signifie que tu l'as fait comme une expérience pour voir si ça aidait avec la chaleur. Remember est beaucoup plus direct.-ing c'est "Je l'ai fait, puis je m'en suis souvenu." To c'est "Je m'en suis souvenu, puis je l'ai fait." Certains apprenants s'embrouillent aussi avec regret. I regret to tell you est une façon formelle d'annoncer une mauvaise nouvelle (l'annonce va se produire).I regret telling you signifie que tu aurais aimé te taire (tu as déjà dit le secret). Remember est le plus courant de tous, donc le maîtriser te donne une énorme longueur d'avance. C'est comme la couche de base d'une super tenue — tout le reste tombe mieux une fois que tu l'as.love ou hate, sinon tu finiras dans un labyrinthe linguistique.Quick FAQ
R: Rarement. Ils signifient généralement des choses différentes.
I remember to lock the doorest une habitude ;
I remember locking itest le souvenir d'un moment précis.
R: Non, les deux sont utilisés dans le langage courant et l'écrit formel. Ça dépend juste de ce que tu veux dire.
R: Utilise le gérondif ! "I don't remember locking the door" implique que tu l'as peut-être fait, mais le souvenir a disparu.
remind à la place ?R: Remind s'utilise quand *quelqu'un d'autre* te fait te souvenir.
Remind me to call Mom.
R: Oui ! Cette règle est un standard mondial. Pas de bizarrerie régionale ici.
R: Seulement quelques-uns, comme forget, regret, et stop. Chacun a sa propre nuance.
R: Pense à trois choses que tu as faites aujourd'hui (gérondif) et trois choses que tu dois faire demain (infinitif).
remember prend parfois une proposition avec that ?R: Oui !
I remember that we met before.C'est souvent interchangeable avec la forme en
-ing pour les souvenirs.
Forming 'Remember' with Infinitives and Gerunds
| Form | Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative Task
|
Remember + to + verb
|
Don't forget to do it
|
Remember to call.
|
|
Affirmative Memory
|
Remember + verb-ing
|
Recall a past event
|
I remember calling.
|
|
Negative Task
|
Remember + not + to + verb
|
Avoid doing something
|
Remember not to fall.
|
|
Negative Memory
|
Don't remember + verb-ing
|
No recollection of past
|
I don't remember falling.
|
|
Question (Task)
|
Did you remember + to + verb?
|
Asking if task was done
|
Did you remember to pay?
|
|
Question (Memory)
|
Do you remember + verb-ing?
|
Asking about a memory
|
Do you remember paying?
|
Meanings
The verb 'remember' changes its meaning depending on whether it is followed by an infinitive (to + verb) or a gerund (verb + -ing). It either refers to a responsibility or a recollection.
Future/Current Task
Using 'remember to' indicates that the action of remembering happens first, and then the action of the second verb follows. It is about not forgetting a duty.
“Please remember to bring your passport tomorrow.”
“Did you remember to turn off the oven?”
Past Recollection
Using 'remember -ing' indicates that the action of the second verb happened first, and now you have a mental image or memory of it. It is about looking back in time.
“I remember visiting Paris when I was only five years old.”
“He doesn't remember locking the door, but he's sure he did.”
Negative Obligations
Using 'remember not to' emphasizes the importance of avoiding a specific action in the future.
“Remember not to mention the surprise party to Sarah!”
“I remembered not to press the red button this time.”
Reference Table
| Structure | Signification | Exemple |
|---|---|---|
|
remember + gerund (-ing)
|
Se souvenir d'une action/expérience passée
|
I remember seeing that movie.
|
|
remember + to + verb
|
Se souvenir d'une obligation/tâche future
|
Remember to send that email.
|
|
didn't remember to do
|
Ne pas avoir accompli une action attendue (passée)
|
She didn't remember to lock the door.
|
|
don't remember doing
|
N'avoir aucun souvenir d'une action passée
|
I don't remember saying that.
|
Spectre de formalité
Please remember to sign the attached document at your earliest convenience. (Business/Legal)
Remember to sign the paper before you leave. (Business/Legal)
Don't forget to sign! (Business/Legal)
Yo, remember to hit that signature line. (Business/Legal)
Remember : Gérondif vs Infinitif
Remember + Gérondif (-ing)
- Action Passée Memory
- Rappeler une Expérience What happened
- Déjà fait Flashback
Remember + Infinitif (to + verb)
- Action Future Obligation
- Rappeler une Tâche What to do
- À faire To-do list
Remember : Quelle est la différence ?
Choisir 'Remember' correctement
L'action est-elle un événement/expérience passé(e) que tu te rappelles ?
L'action est-elle une tâche, une obligation ou une instruction future ?
Situations pour Remember
Remember + -ing (Passé)
- • Se rappeler des souvenirs d'enfance
- • Parler des films que tu as regardés
- • Partager des expériences passées
- • Se souvenir de ce que tu as mangé hier soir
Remember + to + verb (Futur)
- • Établir des rappels pour les courses
- • Donner des instructions
- • Discuter des devoirs au travail/à l'école
- • Planifier des actions futures
Exemples par niveau
Remember to call me.
Remember to call me.
I remember playing with my dog.
I remember playing with my dog.
Did you remember to buy bread?
Did you remember to buy bread?
I remember seeing that cat.
I remember seeing that cat.
Please remember to bring your books to class.
Please remember to bring your books to class.
I remember visiting my grandma in the summer.
I remember visiting my grandma in the summer.
He didn't remember to lock the car.
He didn't remember to lock the car.
Do you remember meeting my brother?
Do you remember meeting my brother?
I must remember to update my password tonight.
I must remember to update my password tonight.
I clearly remember locking the door before I left.
I clearly remember locking the door before I left.
She remembered to send the flowers just in time.
She remembered to send the flowers just in time.
They don't remember living in that old house.
They don't remember living in that old house.
You should always remember to double-check your sources.
You should always remember to double-check your sources.
I vaguely remember hearing a noise in the middle of the night.
I vaguely remember hearing a noise in the middle of the night.
Did you remember to mention the budget during the meeting?
Did you remember to mention the budget during the meeting?
I don't remember ever being so angry in my life.
I don't remember ever being so angry in my life.
I remembered to keep my voice down so as not to wake the baby.
I remembered to keep my voice down so as not to wake the baby.
I remember him being much taller when I was a child.
I remember him being much taller when I was a child.
One must remember to distinguish between fact and opinion.
One must remember to distinguish between fact and opinion.
I don't remember having ever seen such a beautiful sunset.
I don't remember having ever seen such a beautiful sunset.
The witness remembered to check the clock at the exact moment of the impact.
The witness remembered to check the clock at the exact moment of the impact.
I distinctly remember the sun setting over the horizon as we spoke.
I distinctly remember the sun setting over the horizon as we spoke.
He remembered not to overstep his boundaries during the negotiation.
He remembered not to overstep his boundaries during the negotiation.
I don't remember there being any objection to the proposal at the time.
I don't remember there being any objection to the proposal at the time.
Facile à confondre
Learners often mix up whether they forgot the task or forgot the memory.
This also involves a timeline shift but with 'purpose' vs 'ending'.
Used for bad news vs past mistakes.
Erreurs courantes
I remember to go to the park yesterday.
I remember going to the park yesterday.
Remember buying milk later!
Remember to buy milk later!
I no remember to see him.
I don't remember seeing him.
Did you remember calling her?
Did you remember to call her?
I remember to meet you last year.
I remember meeting you last year.
Please remember to not forget your keys.
Please remember not to forget your keys.
I remember to have a dog.
I remember having a dog.
I remembered to seeing the movie.
I remembered to see the movie.
I don't remember to lock the door.
I don't remember locking the door.
I remember to be happy as a child.
I remember being happy as a child.
I remember to have sent the email.
I remember sending the email.
Structures de phrases
I must remember to ___.
I don't remember ___.
Did you remember to ___?
I distinctly remember ___.
Real World Usage
Did you remember to buy the milk?
I remember reading about your company's expansion last year.
Remember to bring your charger!
I remember visiting this cathedral when I was a student.
Please remember to attach the file before sending.
I remember taking this photo like it was yesterday.
Pense "Visualise l'action"
I remember seeing you there.
Ne traduis pas mot pour mot
Teste avec "Forgot"
Parle plus naturellement
I remember seeing that before.
Smart Tips
Always use 'Remember to'.
Instantly choose the -ing form.
Use 'Did you remember to...' instead of 'Why didn't you...'.
Use 'I remember ...ing' to set the scene.
Prononciation
Stress on 'Member'
The second syllable of 're-MEM-ber' is stressed. The 'to' is usually reduced to a 'schwa' sound /tə/.
Rising on questions
Did you remember to LOCK the door? ↗
Checking for confirmation of a task.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
TO is for the TO-DO list. ING is for the thINGs you've done.
Association visuelle
Imagine a sticky note on your forehead for 'Remember to' (a task). Imagine a movie screen in your mind for 'Remember -ing' (a memory).
Rhyme
If it's a task you need to do, use the word that starts with TO. If it's a memory from the past, use -ING to make it last.
Story
A man named Tom has a 'To-do' list (Remember to). A woman named Ingrid looks at 'Ing-stagram' photos of her past (Remember -ing).
Word Web
Défi
Look at your calendar for tomorrow and say three things you must 'remember to' do. Then, look at a photo on your phone and say one thing you 'remember doing'.
Notes culturelles
British speakers often use 'mind you remember to...' as a slightly more formal or old-fashioned way of giving a reminder.
Americans frequently substitute 'Remember to' with 'Make sure to' in casual conversation to sound less like a command.
In international business, 'Please remember to' is the standard polite way to ensure tasks are completed without sounding too aggressive.
From Old French 'remembrer', which comes from Latin 'rememorari' (re- 'again' + memor 'mindful').
Amorces de conversation
Do you remember meeting your best friend for the first time?
What is one thing you must remember to do tomorrow?
Do you remember visiting any famous landmarks?
Have you ever forgotten to do something very important?
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
Test Yourself
I vividly remember ___ that song for the first time.
Choose the correct sentence:
Find and fix the mistake:
Do you remember to visit Paris last summer?
Score: /3
Exercices pratiques
8 exercisesPlease remember ___ (lock) the door when you leave.
Which sentence describes a memory?
Find and fix the mistake:
I will always remember to meet you at the airport last summer.
Don't forget to call your mom.
A: Did you get the milk? B: Oh no! I didn't remember ___ it.
1. I remembered to post the letter. 2. I remember posting the letter.
We use 'remember + -ing' for things we need to do in the future.
remember / meeting / do / you / him / ?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesI don't remember ___ my keys anywhere.
Which sentence is correct?
He clearly remembers to win that championship in 2010.
Translate into English: 'Recuerda apagar el horno antes de salir.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the 'remember' phrase with its correct meaning:
I always try to remember ___ water before I go to bed.
Which sentence is correct?
Don't forget, remember to turn off your microphone after speaking.
Translate into English: 'No recuerdo haber dicho eso en absoluto.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
Yes! 'I remember that I locked the door' is perfectly correct and means the same as 'I remember locking the door'.
Yes, they are functionally identical in meaning.
The rule stays the same. 'I remembered to do it' (Task was done). 'I remembered doing it' (I had the memory).
No, both are neutral. The difference is only in the time/meaning, not the formality.
It is grammatically possible but very rare and sounds unnatural. Just say 'I remember seeing'.
No. 'Remind' usually takes an object and an infinitive: 'Remind me to call him.'
Yes, 'I remember the house' is common, but it doesn't use the to/-ing rule.
Using 'to' for memories, like saying 'I remember to go to Paris' when you mean you went there years ago.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Recordar + infinitive / Recordar + que...
Spanish lacks the '-ing' memory construction.
Se souvenir de / Se rappeler
French uses 'de' and often requires auxiliary verbs for past memories.
Sich erinnern an / Vergessen zu
German uses completely different prepositional phrases for tasks vs memories.
~koto wo oboeteru / ~suru no wo oboeteru
Japanese relies on nominalizing particles rather than an infinitive/gerund split.
Tadhakkara an / Tadhakkara + Masdar
The distinction is between a particle-verb combo and a pure noun form.
Jìdé (记得)
Chinese has no morphological change (no 'to' or '-ing') on the verb.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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