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
remember라는 단어는 일종의 카멜레온 같은 단어예요.-ing 형태)를 쓰면 과거의 기억을 되돌아보는 거예요. 반면 부정사(to 형태)를 쓰면 앞으로 해야 할 일을 생각하는 거죠.remembered sending)고 말해야 하는데, 실제로 «보낼 걸 기억해서 보냈다»(remembered to send)는 뜻으로 잘못 말할 수도 있어요. 한 끗 차이로 프로처럼 보일 수도 있고, 팀원들 연락을 씹는 사람처럼 보일 수도 있죠.How This Grammar Works
remember는 아주 유연하답니다. 핵심은 여러분의 머릿속에서 일어나는 사건의 순서예요.-ing를 쓸 때는 행동이 먼저 일어난 거예요. 실제로 경험을 하고 나서 나중에 그걸 기억하는 거죠. 뇌에서 비디오를 재생하는 것과 같아요.to는 기억하는 게 먼저예요. 할 일을 먼저 생각하고 나서 행동을 하는 거죠. 머릿속의 할 일 목록(to-do list)에 체크 표시를 하는 것과 같아요.-ing는 사진 앨범, to는 냉장고에 붙인 포스트잇이라고 생각해보세요. 친구에게 콘서트에 대해 문자를 보낸다면 «나 그 노래에 맞춰 춤췄던 거 기억나»라고 할 때 I remember dancing to that song이라고 하겠죠. 하지만 내일 일을 상기시켜 준다면 «신분증 챙기는 거 잊지 마»라고 할 때 Remember to bring your ID라고 할 거예요.I remembered to buy milk라고 말한다면 지금 우유를 가지고 있는 상태예요. 하지만 I remember buying milk라고 말한다면 우유가 있을 수도 있지만, 확실한 건 식료품점에서의 과거 장면이 머릿속에 스쳐 지나가고 있다는 뜻이에요.
Formation Pattern
remember + 동사-ing. 예시: I remember meeting him.
remember + to + 동사원형. 예시: I remembered to call her.
I don't remember seeing that movie. (영화를 봤을 수도 있고 안 봤을 수도 있어요).
I didn't remember to lock the door. (문 잠그는 걸 확실히 안 한 거예요).
Remember to + 동사원형. 예시: Remember to like and subscribe!
Do you remember going there?
Did you remember to pay?
When To Use It
remember + -ing를 쓰세요. 인스타그램의 추억 소환(Throwback Thursday) 포스팅 캡션을 생각해보세요. «나 작년에 이 산길 하이킹했던 거 기억나»(I remember hiking this trail last year)처럼요.remember + to로 바꿔보세요. 줌 미팅 초대, 우버 픽업, 혹은 음식을 주문하고 기사님께 문 앞에 두고 가달라고 부탁할 때 쓸 수 있어요. «가방을 현관에 두는 거 잊지 말아 주세요»(Please remember to leave the bag on the porch)처럼요.Remember to text me when you get home!)는 아주 전형적인 표현이에요.Did you remember to attach the file?)는 모든 인턴이 두려워하는 질문이죠. 기본적으로 달력에 적힐 일이라면 to를, 사진 갤러리에 있을 법한 일이라면 -ing를 쓰세요.
Common Mistakes
to를 쓰는 거예요. I remember to visit Paris라고 하면 매일 아침 프랑스에 가는 게 반복적인 할 일인 것처럼 들려요. 여러분이 억만장자 조종사가 아닌 이상 아마 틀린 표현일 거예요. «나 파리 방문했던 거 기억나»(I remember visiting Paris)라고 말하고 싶으셨겠죠? 또 다른 실수는 알림을 줄 때 to를 빼먹는 거예요. Remember call me!라고 하면 원시인처럼 들릴 수 있어요. 항상 remember to call이라고 해야 해요. remember 자체도 시제에 맞게 변화시켜야 한다는 걸 잊지 마세요. I remembering to do it은 엉망진창인 문장이에요. «나 그거 할 거 기억했어»(
I remembered to do it)가 맞죠. 그리고 forget 함정도 조심하세요! forget도 똑같은 논리를 따르거든요. «나 문 잠그는 거 깜빡했어»(I forgot to lock the door, 안 잠갔음) vs «나 문 잠갔던 건 절대 못 잊을 거야»(I'll never forget locking the door, 잠갔던 기억이 생생함). 사람들은 면접 때 이걸 자주 헷갈려 해요. 만약 «나 그 프로젝트를 이끄는 걸 기억해서 해냈어»(I remembered to lead that project)라고 하면 일을 제대로 한 것처럼 들리지만, «나 그 프로젝트를 이끌었던 게 기억나»(I remember leading that project)라고 하면 그 일을 했던 경험에 대해 이야기하는 거예요. 이걸 잘못 쓰면 아주 건망증이 심하거나 아니면 꿈속에서 사는 사람처럼 보일 수 있어요. 솔직히 소셜 미디어에는 이미 그런 사람들이 충분히 많잖아요? 할 일과 기억을 제자리에 잘 두자고요.Contrast With Similar Patterns
forget은 remember와 쌍둥이 형제예요. 똑같이 -ing(기억)과 to(할 일) 규칙을 따르죠. 그리고 stop도 있어요.stop은 좀 달라요. Stop smoking은 담배를 끊었다는 뜻이지만, Stop to smoke는 담배를 피우기 위해 가던 길을 멈췄는 뜻이거든요.Try도 다르게 행동해요. Try to open the door는 문을 열려고 시도했지만 실패했을 수도 있다는 뜻이고, Try opening the window는 더위를 식히는 데 도움이 될까 싶어 시험 삼아 창문을 열어봤다는 뜻이에요.remember는 훨씬 더 단순해요. 엄격하게 시간 순서를 따르거든요. -ing는 «하고 나서 기억하는 것», to는 «기억하고 나서 하는 것»이에요.regret과 헷갈려 하기도 해요. I regret to tell you는 안 좋은 소식을 전하게 되어 유감이라는 정중한 표현이에요(말하는 행동이 곧 일어날 예정이죠). 반면 I regret telling you는 비밀을 말해버린 걸 후회한다는 뜻이에요(이미 입 밖으로 내뱉은 거죠).remember가 이 중에서 가장 자주 쓰이니까, 이것만 마스터해도 아주 유리해질 거예요. 마치 멋진 옷의 기본 레이어 같은 거랄까요? 일단 입고 나면 다른 모든 게 잘 어우러지거든요.love나 hate에도 이 논리를 적용하려고 하지는 마세요. 언어의 미로에 빠져버릴 수도 있으니까요.Quick FAQ
같은 상황에 둘 다 쓸 수 있나요?
거의 없어요. 보통 의미가 완전히 다르거든요. I remember to lock the door는 습관을 말하고, I remember locking it은 특정 시점의 기억을 말해요.
하나가 더 격식 있는 표현인가요?
아뇨, 둘 다 일상 대화와 격식 있는 글에서 모두 쓰여요. 단지 무엇을 말하고 싶은지에 달려 있죠.
내가 그걸 했는지 확실하지 않을 때는요?
동명사를 쓰세요! I don't remember locking the door라고 하면 했을 수도 있지만 기억이 안 난다는 뉘앙스가 풍겨요.
대신 remind를 써도 되나요?
remind는 다른 사람이 나에게 기억나게 해줄 때 써요. Remind me to call Mom (엄마한테 전화하라고 나한테 알려줘)처럼요.
미국 영어랑 영국 영어에서 똑같나요?
네! 이 규칙은 전 세계 공통 표준이에요. 지역마다 다른 이상한 점은 없답니다.
다른 동사들도 이렇게 작동하나요?
forget, regret, stop 같이 몇 개만 그래요. 각각 미묘한 차이가 있죠.
연습하기 좋은 방법이 있을까요?
오늘 했던 일 세 가지(-ing)와 내일 해야 할 일 세 가지(to)를 생각해보세요.
remember 뒤에 that 절이 올 수도 있나요?
네! I remember that we met before (우리가 전에 만났던 걸 기억해)처럼요. 기억에 대해 말할 때는 -ing 형태와 자주 바꿔 쓸 수 있어요.
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
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (Task)
|
Subject + remember(s) + to + base
|
She remembers to water the plants.
|
|
Affirmative (Memory)
|
Subject + remember(s) + verb-ing
|
She remembers watering the plants.
|
|
Negative (Task)
|
Subject + don't/doesn't remember + to + base
|
I didn't remember to buy milk.
|
|
Negative (Memory)
|
Subject + don't/doesn't remember + verb-ing
|
I don't remember buying milk.
|
|
Interrogative (Task)
|
Do/Did + subject + remember + to + base?
|
Did you remember to lock up?
|
|
Interrogative (Memory)
|
Do/Did + subject + remember + verb-ing?
|
Do you remember locking up?
|
|
Imperative
|
Remember + to + base
|
Remember to be kind.
|
|
Negative Imperative
|
Remember + not + to + base
|
Remember not to be late.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
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)
The Remember Timeline
Future / Task
- To-Infinitive Remember -> Action
Past / Memory
- Gerund (-ing) Action -> Remember
Task vs. Memory
Which one should I use?
Did the action happen yet?
Common Contexts
Tasks
- • Locking doors
- • Buying groceries
- • Sending emails
Memories
- • Childhood trips
- • Meeting people
- • Seeing movies
수준별 예문
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.
혼동하기 쉬운
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.
자주 하는 실수
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.
문장 패턴
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.
The 'To-Do' Trick
Don't over-complicate
Check the Time
Polite Reminders
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.
발음
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.
암기하기
기억법
TO is for the TO-DO list. ING is for the thINGs you've done.
시각적 연상
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
챌린지
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'.
문화 노트
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').
대화 시작하기
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?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
Please 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.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
We use 'remember + -ing' for things we need to do in the future.
remember / meeting / do / you / him / ?
Score: /8
연습 문제
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
자주 묻는 질문 (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
관련 동영상
05:13 Friendly Pizza, UFOs and the Joy of AI-Generated Video | Matan Cohen Grumi | TED
GERUND (-ing) or INFINITIVE (to) - When & How to Use them! (+ Free PDF & Quiz)
English with Lucy
GERUND (ing) or INFINITIVE (to) – Everything You Need to Know!
JForrest English
🔥 EXPLAINED! When to use the Infinitive and Gerund After Verbs
English with Greg
Related Grammar Rules
분사 구문: 동작과 주어 일치시키기
Overview 혹시 인스타그램 팔로워들에게 아침 커피가 긴 잠을 자고 나서 `feeling refreshed`한 기분이라고 실수로 말한 적이 있...
수동형 동명사 및 부정사 (being done / to be done)
Overview 다른 사람에 의해 `being directed`(감독되는) 영화 속 엑스트라가 된 기분을 느껴본 적 있나요? 아니면 퇴근 전 중요...
Stop + 동명사 vs. 부정사: 그만두기 vs. 잠시 멈추기
Overview 혹시 이메일을 확인하려고 잠깐 쉬는 거였는데, 실수로 직장을 그만뒀다고 말해본 적 있어? 시트콤의 한 장면 같지만,...
Infinitives and Gerunds: Verb Patterns (Want to Go / Enjoy Going)
## Infinitives and Gerunds: Verb Patterns ### Verbs + to + infinitive - **want**: I want **to eat**. - **need**: She ne...
영어 분사 구문: 동시에 두 가지 일을 하는 것 (V-ing)
### Overview 영어 학습의 여정에서 C1 레벨, 즉 고급 단계에 도달했다는 것은 단순히 문법 규칙을 아는 것을 넘어, 언어의 '경...
