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A1 verb #152 most common 13 min read

remember

Top 152

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips remember in 30 Seconds

Explanation remember in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'remember' is one of the first verbs you learn to describe your mental life. It is primarily used for two simple things: basic recall of people and places, and following simple instructions. You use it to say things like 'I remember my teacher' or 'I remember the park.' At this stage, the most important thing is to understand the difference between 'remember' and 'forget.' You also learn to use 'remember' as a command, usually from a teacher or parent, such as 'Remember your homework!' or 'Remember to say thank you.' The grammar is kept simple, usually following the 'remember + noun' or 'remember + to + verb' pattern. You don't need to worry about complex tenses or subtle synonyms yet. The focus is on using the word to manage your daily life and share very basic information about your past. It's a 'functional' word that helps you navigate the world by keeping track of your duties and your identity. You might also learn it in the context of polite conversation, like 'Do you remember me?' when meeting someone again. Overall, at A1, 'remember' is a tool for survival and basic social connection, helping you stay organized and recognize the familiar people and things in your new language environment.

As you move to the A2 level, your use of 'remember' becomes more descriptive and integrated into storytelling. You start to use it to talk about past experiences in more detail. Instead of just 'remembering a person,' you might say 'I remember when I lived in London' or 'I remember that the food was very good.' This involves using 'remember' with 'when' clauses and 'that' clauses. You also become more confident with the 'remember to do' pattern for chores and responsibilities. At A2, you are expected to handle the past simple form 'remembered' correctly in sentences like 'I remembered my umbrella, so I didn't get wet.' You also start to encounter the word in more varied contexts, such as reading simple stories or listening to basic news reports. You might learn common collocations like 'remember clearly' or 'remember well.' The word helps you build longer sentences and connect your thoughts more logically. You are also beginning to distinguish between 'remember' and 'remind,' although you might still make mistakes. The focus at A2 is on expanding the range of things you can remember—not just objects, but events, facts, and sequences of actions. It becomes a key verb for sharing your personal history with others in a more meaningful way.

At the B1 level, you should have a solid grasp of the different meanings of 'remember' and be able to use it with a variety of grammatical structures. This is the stage where the 'remember doing' vs. 'remember to do' distinction becomes very important. You should be able to explain the difference between 'I remembered to lock the door' (I didn't forget the task) and 'I remember locking the door' (I have a memory of the action). This shows a higher level of grammatical control. You also use 'remember' to express opinions and give advice, such as 'You must remember that everyone is different.' In discussions, you might use it to bring up a point from earlier: 'As you may remember, we discussed this last week.' Your vocabulary is expanding, so you might start using 'remember' alongside words like 'recall' in more formal situations. You are also more aware of how 'remember' is used in idiomatic expressions and common phrases like 'remember me to your family' (a polite way to send greetings). At B1, 'remember' is no longer just a basic verb; it's a versatile tool for nuanced communication, allowing you to navigate more complex social and professional interactions with greater precision and cultural awareness.

By the B2 level, your use of 'remember' is fluent and natural. You can use it in a wide range of registers, from very informal slang to formal academic writing. You understand the subtle emotional connotations the word can carry, such as in the context of nostalgia or national mourning. You are likely to use more sophisticated adverbs with it, such as 'vividly remember,' 'faintly remember,' or 'distinctly remember.' You also use 'remember' to structure complex arguments, for example: 'It is important to remember, however, that the economic situation was very different then.' You are fully comfortable with the 'remember + wh-' patterns and can use them to ask sophisticated questions or provide detailed explanations. At this level, you also start to explore the psychological aspects of memory in conversation, perhaps discussing why we remember some things and forget others. You are also able to use 'remember' in the passive voice in formal contexts, such as 'He is remembered for his great contributions to science.' Your understanding of the word is now deep enough that you can appreciate its use in literature and poetry, where it often symbolizes the persistence of the past in the present. You are a confident user of the word, capable of using it to express complex thoughts and emotions.

At the C1 level, you use 'remember' with the precision of a native speaker. You are aware of the most subtle nuances and can choose between 'remember,' 'recall,' 'recollect,' and 'reminisce' based on the exact tone you want to convey. You use 'remember' to weave intricate narratives, often using it to shift between different timeframes in a story. You might use it in more abstract ways, such as 'remembering one's place' in a social hierarchy or 'remembering a promise' as a matter of honor. In professional settings, you use it to manage expectations and emphasize critical points with authority: 'We must remember the long-term implications of this decision.' You are also familiar with more obscure idioms and literary uses of the word. Your grammatical control is perfect, and you can use 'remember' in complex structures like 'Having remembered the password, she was finally able to log in.' You also understand the cultural and historical weight the word carries in different English-speaking societies. At C1, 'remember' is a tool for high-level rhetoric and sophisticated self-expression. You can use it to evoke specific moods, challenge assumptions, and build powerful, persuasive arguments. It is an integral part of your advanced linguistic repertoire, used with effortless accuracy and stylistic flair.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'remember' is complete. You can use the word to explore philosophical and neurological depths, discussing the nature of memory itself. You might use it in highly formal, ceremonial, or academic contexts where every word must be chosen with extreme care. For example, in a keynote speech, you might say, 'We are gathered here to remember not just the man, but the ideals he stood for.' You are sensitive to the word's rhythmic and phonetic qualities in creative writing and can use it to create specific effects in prose or poetry. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. You can effortlessly navigate the most complex grammatical environments, using 'remember' in ways that are both creative and perfectly correct. You are also a master of the word's pragmatic uses—knowing exactly when to use 'remember' to persuade, to comfort, to warn, or to honor. At this level, 'remember' is more than just a verb; it is a concept that you can manipulate with total control to achieve any communicative goal. You are as comfortable using it in a casual joke as you are in a profound philosophical treatise. Your use of the word reflects a deep, intuitive understanding of the English language and its capacity to capture the complexities of the human mind and history.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

remember in 30 Seconds

Remember is a basic verb used to talk about keeping information in your mind or bringing back a memory from the past.
It has two main uses: recalling something that happened before and making sure you do something you need to do in the future.
Grammatically, it is often followed by a noun, a 'that' clause, an '-ing' verb for past memories, or a 'to' verb for tasks.
It is the opposite of 'forget' and is different from 'remind,' which is when someone else makes you remember something.

The verb remember is a fundamental pillar of human cognition and communication. At its core, it describes the mental process of retrieving information, experiences, or images from the past. When you remember something, you are essentially reaching back into your mind's storage and bringing a specific piece of data into your current consciousness. This can range from a simple fact, like a friend's birthday, to a complex sensory experience, like the smell of your grandmother's kitchen. However, the word serves a dual purpose in English. Beyond simple recall, it also functions as a prospective tool—a way to ensure that a future action is not forgotten. When someone says, 'Remember to buy milk,' they are asking you to keep a specific task active in your mind until it is completed. This distinction between retrospective memory (looking back) and prospective memory (looking forward) is crucial for mastering the word's usage.

Recalling the Past: This usage involves the spontaneous or intentional recovery of memories. It often involves sensory details or emotional connections. For example, 'I remember the first time I saw the ocean' implies a vivid mental reconstruction of an event.

I can still remember the exact melody of the song my father used to whistle every morning.

Fulfilling Obligations: In this context, the word acts as a synonym for 'not forgetting' a duty. It is frequently paired with an infinitive verb (to + verb). 'Remember to call the doctor' is a directive aimed at future behavior.

In social settings, 'remember' is often used to build rapport. Asking someone, 'Do you remember when we...?' is a powerful way to strengthen social bonds through shared history. It is also used in formal commemorations, such as 'We remember the fallen,' where it takes on a solemn, respectful tone of honoring the past. In the digital age, we often talk about computers 'remembering' passwords, which personifies technology by attributing human-like memory to data storage systems. Whether you are reminiscing about childhood, trying to keep a grocery list in your head, or honoring a historical event, 'remember' is the essential verb that bridges the gap between what was and what is.

Please remember that the deadline for the project is tomorrow at noon.

Sudden Realization: Sometimes, memory is not a slow process but a sudden 'flash.' You might say, 'Suddenly, I remembered where I left my keys!' This usage highlights the involuntary nature of memory retrieval.

Do you remember the name of that small cafe we visited in Paris?

It is important to remember our roots even as we move forward in life.

I remember meeting him, but I cannot recall his name right now.

Using 'remember' correctly requires an understanding of its various grammatical structures. The most common pattern is 'remember + noun/pronoun,' where you simply state the object of your memory. For example, 'I remember you' or 'She remembers the address.' This is straightforward and used in both formal and informal contexts. However, things get more interesting when we use 'remember' with other verbs. There is a significant difference in meaning between using a gerund (the -ing form) and an infinitive (the 'to' form). This is one of the most common areas of confusion for English learners, so it is worth examining in detail.

The Gerund Pattern (Remember + -ing): Use this when you are looking back at a past action. You did the action first, and now you have a memory of it. Example: 'I remember locking the door' means you have a mental image of yourself turning the key. It confirms that the action took place in the past.

He remembers visiting his grandparents every summer when he was a child.

The Infinitive Pattern (Remember + to): Use this when you are thinking about a duty or a task you need to perform. You remember the task first, and then you do it. Example: 'I remembered to lock the door' means you didn't forget your duty and you successfully locked it. It focuses on the fulfillment of an obligation.

Another frequent structure is 'remember + that clause.' This is used to recall a specific fact or piece of information. For instance, 'I remember that she said she would be late.' Here, you are not just remembering a person or an action, but a whole proposition. Similarly, 'remember' can be followed by 'wh-' words like 'where,' 'when,' 'why,' 'how,' and 'who.' This is common when you are trying to pinpoint specific details: 'I can't remember where I put my phone' or 'Do you remember how we used to play in the park?' These structures are essential for detailed storytelling and information sharing.

Always remember to check your spelling before submitting the essay.

The 'As' Pattern: Sometimes we use 'remember someone as something.' This describes our lasting impression of a person. 'I remember him as a very kind man' suggests that kindness is the defining trait in your memory of him.

She remembers that the weather was perfect on her wedding day.

Can you remember what time the meeting starts?

I remember him as a young boy with bright blue eyes.

'Remember' is ubiquitous in the English language, appearing in almost every conceivable context. In daily conversation, it is the workhorse of social interaction. You will hear it in casual catch-ups ('Do you remember that guy from high school?'), in household reminders ('Remember to take out the trash!'), and in heartfelt apologies ('I'm sorry, I didn't remember it was your birthday'). It is a word that connects our past experiences to our present interactions, making it essential for building and maintaining relationships. Because memory is so central to the human experience, the word also finds a prominent home in literature, film, and music, where it often carries a heavy emotional weight.

In Pop Culture and Media: Think of the countless songs with 'Remember' in the title—from 'Remember the Time' by Michael Jackson to 'A Night to Remember.' In movies, the phrase 'Remember me' is a classic trope used in tragic goodbyes or as a ghostly plea. It evokes nostalgia, longing, and the desire for legacy.

The movie's final line was a haunting whisper: "Remember who you are."

In Professional and Academic Settings: In the workplace, 'remember' is used to emphasize protocols and deadlines. A manager might say, 'Please remember that safety is our top priority.' In academic lectures, professors use it to link new concepts to previously learned material: 'Remember what we discussed last week about thermodynamics?'

Public service announcements and safety signs also rely heavily on this word. 'Remember: Only you can prevent forest fires' is a famous American slogan. These uses leverage the word's imperative power to influence behavior and instill a sense of responsibility. Furthermore, in the legal world, a witness's ability to 'remember' details is the cornerstone of many trials. Attorneys will ask, 'Do you remember seeing the defendant on the night of the 14th?' Here, the word is tied to the concepts of truth and reliability. Whether it is a soft whisper between lovers or a bold command on a billboard, 'remember' is a word that demands attention and connects us to the timeline of our lives.

"Remember, remember, the fifth of November," is a famous English folk verse.

In Technology and Apps: Modern software often includes a 'Remember me' checkbox on login screens. This tells the system to store your credentials so you don't have to enter them again. It's a functional, everyday use of the word that everyone encounters.

I remember reading about this in the newspaper a few months ago.

The teacher told the students to remember their calculators for the exam.

Does anyone remember where we parked the car?

Even though 'remember' is an A1-level word, it is fraught with common pitfalls that even intermediate learners struggle with. The most frequent error is confusing 'remember' with 'remind.' While they both deal with memory, their grammatical roles are completely different. 'Remember' is something you do yourself (subject-focused), whereas 'remind' is something someone or something else does to you (object-focused). You remember a fact, but a friend reminds you of a fact. Forgetting this distinction can lead to confusing sentences like 'Please remember me to buy milk,' which is incorrect. It should be 'Please remind me to buy milk' or 'Please remember to buy milk.'

Remember vs. Remind: Remember = to have a memory in your mind. (I remember the party). Remind = to make someone else remember something. (She reminded me about the party).

Incorrect: He remembered me that I had a meeting.
Correct: He reminded me that I had a meeting.

The -ing vs. To-Infinitive Trap: As mentioned before, using the wrong form after 'remember' changes the timeline of the action. 'I remembered to call' (I did it) vs. 'I remember calling' (I have the memory of doing it). If you say 'I remember to call my mom' when you mean you have a memory of calling her, it sounds like you are stating a habitual duty instead of a past event.

Another mistake involves the use of prepositions. Learners often try to put 'about' or 'of' after 'remember' when it's not needed. While you can 'remind someone of something,' you usually just 'remember something.' For example, 'I remember the day' is better than 'I remember about the day.' However, 'remember about' can be used when referring to a general topic or situation, but it's less common. Lastly, be careful with the word 'memorize.' 'Remembering' is the act of recall, while 'memorizing' is the active process of trying to commit something to memory. You memorize a poem so that you can remember it later. Using them interchangeably can make your English sound unnatural.

Incorrect: I need to remember these new words for the test.
Correct: I need to memorize these new words for the test.

Overusing 'Remember': In very formal writing, 'remember' can sometimes feel too simple. Depending on the context, words like 'recollect,' 'recall,' or 'commemorate' might be more appropriate. However, for 95% of situations, 'remember' is perfectly fine.

Did you remember to bring the tickets?

I remember seeing that man somewhere before.

She couldn't remember if she had turned off the stove.

While 'remember' is the most common way to talk about memory, English offers a variety of synonyms that carry different shades of meaning, formality, and intensity. Choosing the right alternative can make your speech more precise and your writing more engaging. The most direct synonyms are 'recall' and 'recollect.' While they are often interchangeable with 'remember,' they tend to imply a more conscious effort to retrieve information. If you 'remember' something, it might just pop into your head. If you 'recall' or 'recollect' it, you are often searching your mind for it. 'Recollect' is the most formal of the three and is often used in legal or literary contexts.

Recall vs. Recollect: 'Recall' is common in business and academic settings (e.g., 'Can you recall the specific figures?'). 'Recollect' often refers to remembering a series of events or a story (e.g., 'He recollected the events of the war with great detail').

I can't quite recall the name of the street, but I remember the house.

Reminisce: This is a beautiful alternative used when you are talking or thinking about pleasant memories from the past, often with a sense of nostalgia. You don't just 'remember' the good old days; you 'reminisce' about them with friends.

In terms of honoring the past, 'commemorate' and 'honor' are powerful verbs. We 'remember' the victims of a disaster, but a monument 'commemorates' them. These words add a layer of public respect and ritual. On the more technical side, 'retrieve' is used in cognitive science and computing to describe the process of getting data out of storage. While you wouldn't say 'I retrieved the memory of my dog' in casual conversation, it's the correct term in a scientific paper. Finally, for the prospective side of 'remember' (not forgetting), you can use 'ensure' or 'make sure.' Instead of 'Remember to lock the door,' you could say 'Make sure you lock the door.' These alternatives focus more on the action than the mental state.

We spent the whole evening reminiscing about our college years.

Mindful: Being 'mindful' of something is a modern, slightly more spiritual way to say you are 'remembering' to pay attention to it in the present moment. 'Be mindful of your breathing' is a common phrase in meditation.

Please bear in mind that the office will be closed on Friday.

The statue was built to commemorate the city's founders.

I need to make sure I have my passport before I leave for the airport.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'memor' is also the source of words like 'memory,' 'memorial,' and even 'memento mori' (a reminder of death). In some older dialects of English, 'remember' was sometimes used to mean 'remind,' which is why learners still confuse them today!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

US /rɪˈmɛm.bɚ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: ri-MEM-ber.

Rhymes With

December November member ember September disremember chamber (partial) limber (partial)

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (RE-member).
Pronouncing the first 'e' like 'ee' (ree-member).
Forgetting the middle 'm' sound.
Adding an extra syllable (re-mem-ber-er).
Mumbling the final syllable so it sounds like 'remem'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Choosing between -ing and to-infinitive can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 1/5

It is a high-frequency word used in many basic conversation starters.

Listening 1/5

It is usually pronounced clearly and is easy to catch in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

know think past forget mind

Learn Next

remind recall memorize memory forgetful

Advanced

reminisce recollect commemorate retrospect evoke

Grammar to Know

Verb + Gerund vs. Infinitive

I remember meeting him (past memory) vs. I remembered to meet him (fulfilled duty).

Stative Verbs

'Remember' is usually a stative verb and not used in the continuous form (I am remembering).

Reported Speech

He told me to remember the date.

Cleft Sentences

What I remember most is the music.

Negative Imperatives

Don't forget to... (often used instead of 'Remember to...').

Examples by Level

I remember my name.

Je me souviens de mon nom.

Simple subject + verb + noun phrase.

Do you remember me?

Tu te souviens de moi ?

Question form using 'do'.

Remember to eat your breakfast.

N'oublie pas de manger ton petit-déjeuner.

Imperative use with 'to + verb'.

I remember the red car.

Je me souviens de la voiture rouge.

Remember + definite noun.

Please remember your hat.

S'il vous plaît, n'oubliez pas votre chapeau.

Polite imperative.

They remember the song.

Ils se souviennent de la chanson.

Third person plural.

I don't remember the number.

Je ne me souviens pas du numéro.

Negative form with 'don't'.

Remember to close the window.

N'oublie pas de fermer la fenêtre.

Instruction for a future action.

I remember when we went to the beach.

Je me souviens quand nous sommes allés à la plage.

Remember + 'when' clause.

She remembered to buy the milk.

Elle a pensé à acheter le lait.

Past simple 'remembered' + infinitive.

Do you remember what he said?

Tu te souviens de ce qu'il a dit ?

Remember + 'what' clause.

I remember that house very well.

Je me souviens très bien de cette maison.

Using the adverb 'very well'.

He doesn't remember where he put his keys.

Il ne se souvient pas d'où il a mis ses clés.

Remember + 'where' clause.

We remembered our teacher's advice.

Nous nous sommes souvenus des conseils de notre professeur.

Possessive noun as the object.

Remember to call your mother tonight.

N'oublie pas d'appeler ta mère ce soir.

Future time marker 'tonight'.

I remember seeing that movie last year.

Je me souviens avoir vu ce film l'année dernière.

Remember + gerund (-ing) for past memory.

I clearly remember locking the door before I left.

Je me souviens clairement avoir fermé la porte avant de partir.

Adverb 'clearly' + gerund.

Did you remember to bring the documents for the meeting?

As-tu pensé à apporter les documents pour la réunion ?

Infinitive for a task.

I remember that she was wearing a blue dress that day.

Je me souviens qu'elle portait une robe bleue ce jour-là.

Remember + 'that' clause with past continuous.

Please remember me to your parents when you see them.

S'il te plaît, dis bonjour à tes parents de ma part quand tu les verras.

Idiomatic use: 'remember me to [someone]'.

It is important to remember that this is only a test.

Il est important de se rappeler que ce n'est qu'un test.

Dummy 'it' subject + infinitive phrase.

I can't remember how to get to the station from here.

Je ne me rappelle plus comment aller à la gare d'ici.

Remember + 'how to' + infinitive.

He remembered being very happy as a child.

Il se souvenait d'avoir été très heureux enfant.

Remember + 'being' (gerund of 'be').

Remember to check the oil in the car regularly.

N'oublie pas de vérifier l'huile de la voiture régulièrement.

Instruction for a recurring task.

I vividly remember the smell of the pine trees in the forest.

Je me souviens très bien de l'odeur des pins dans la forêt.

Using 'vividly' to describe sensory memory.

You must remember to keep an open mind during the discussion.

Tu dois te rappeler de garder l'esprit ouvert pendant la discussion.

Modal 'must' + remember + to-infinitive.

The witness remembered seeing the suspect near the bank.

Le témoin s'est souvenu avoir vu le suspect près de la banque.

Formal context usage.

I don't remember ever having been so angry in my life.

Je ne me souviens pas avoir jamais été aussi en colère de ma vie.

Perfect gerund 'having been'.

Remember, the early bird catches the worm.

Rappelle-toi, l'avenir appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt.

Using 'remember' to introduce a proverb.

She is remembered as one of the greatest poets of her generation.

On se souvient d'elle comme de l'une des plus grandes poétesses de sa génération.

Passive voice 'is remembered as'.

I suddenly remembered that I had left the oven on.

Je me suis soudainement rappelé que j'avais laissé le four allumé.

Past perfect in the 'that' clause.

Can you remember who won the World Cup in 1998?

Peux-tu te rappeler qui a gagné la Coupe du Monde en 1998 ?

Remember + 'who' clause.

It is crucial to remember the historical context of this document.

Il est crucial de se rappeler le contexte historique de ce document.

Academic register.

I faintly remember a similar incident occurring many years ago.

Je me souviens vaguement d'un incident similaire s'étant produit il y a de nombreuses années.

Adverb 'faintly' + complex noun phrase.

Having remembered his promise, he decided to help them after all.

S'étant souvenu de sa promesse, il a décidé de les aider après tout.

Perfect participle clause.

We must remember that our resources are not infinite.

Nous devons nous rappeler que nos ressources ne sont pas infinies.

Rhetorical use in a speech.

He will always be remembered for his unwavering courage.

On se souviendra toujours de lui pour son courage inébranlable.

Future passive with 'always'.

I cannot remember a time when technology was not part of our lives.

Je ne peux pas me rappeler une époque où la technologie ne faisait pas partie de nos vies.

Negative 'cannot' + 'a time when' clause.

She remembered to thank every single person who had contributed.

Elle a pensé à remercier chaque personne ayant contribué.

Emphasis on 'every single person'.

Do you remember the specific details of the agreement?

Vous souvenez-vous des détails spécifiques de l'accord ?

Formal inquiry.

The philosopher urged us to remember our shared humanity above all else.

Le philosophe nous a exhortés à nous rappeler notre humanité commune avant tout.

Abstract noun phrase 'shared humanity'.

I remember the events of that night as if they happened yesterday.

Je me souviens des événements de cette nuit-là comme s'ils s'étaient produits hier.

Simile 'as if they happened yesterday'.

It is often through literature that we remember the voices of the past.

C'est souvent à travers la littérature que nous nous souvenons des voix du passé.

Cleft sentence for emphasis.

She remembered to maintain her composure despite the intense pressure.

Elle a pensé à garder son sang-froid malgré la pression intense.

Remember + to-infinitive with abstract object.

Few people now remember the original purpose of the ancient monument.

Peu de gens se souviennent aujourd'hui de l'objectif initial du monument antique.

Quantifier 'few people' + 'now'.

I remember him as a man of great integrity and few words.

Je me souviens de lui comme d'un homme d'une grande intégrité et de peu de mots.

Remember [someone] as [description].

The software is designed to remember user preferences across devices.

Le logiciel est conçu pour mémoriser les préférences de l'utilisateur sur tous les appareils.

Technical personification.

We must remember to honor the traditions that define our culture.

Nous devons nous rappeler d'honorer les traditions qui définissent notre culture.

Remember + to-infinitive + relative clause.

Synonyms

recall recollect keep in mind think back retain

Antonyms

forget overlook ignore

Common Collocations

remember clearly

remember vividly

remember well

remember correctly

remember fondly

hard to remember

easy to remember

remember someone's name

remember a face

remember the past

Common Phrases

As far as I can remember

— Used to say that based on your memory, something is true, but you aren't 100% sure.

As far as I can remember, the shop closes at six.

Remember me to...

— A polite way to ask someone to give your greetings to another person.

Please remember me to your sister.

Something to remember

— An event or experience that is very special and will not be forgotten.

Our wedding was truly something to remember.

Remember your manners

— A reminder to someone (usually a child) to be polite.

Remember your manners when you go to the party.

If I remember rightly

— Used when you are fairly sure about a fact but want to be cautious.

If I remember rightly, we met at the conference last year.

A night to remember

— A very exciting or important night that will be remembered for a long time.

The concert was a night to remember.

Remember who you're talking to

— A warning to someone to show more respect to the person they are speaking with.

Watch your tone and remember who you're talking to!

Always remember...

— Used to introduce an important piece of advice or a fundamental truth.

Always remember that honesty is the best policy.

Remember the name

— Used to suggest that someone will become famous or important in the future.

He's a talented player; remember the name.

I'll remember that

— Can be a simple statement of fact, or a subtle threat that you won't forget a slight.

You helped me when I was down; I'll remember that.

Often Confused With

remember vs remind

Remind is making someone else remember. Remember is doing it yourself.

remember vs memorize

Memorize is the active process of learning. Remember is the act of recall.

remember vs recall

Recall often implies more effort or a more formal setting than remember.

Idioms & Expressions

"Jog someone's memory"

— To help someone remember something they have forgotten.

Maybe this photo will jog your memory.

informal

"Trip down memory lane"

— To spend time thinking about or talking about the past.

Looking at the old yearbook was a real trip down memory lane.

informal

"In living memory"

— Within the time that people who are still alive can remember.

It was the worst storm in living memory.

neutral

"Commit to memory"

— To learn something so well that you can remember it perfectly.

She committed the entire speech to memory.

formal

"Slip one's mind"

— To be forgotten by someone.

I'm so sorry, your birthday completely slipped my mind.

informal

"On the tip of one's tongue"

— Used when you are sure you know something but cannot quite remember it at the moment.

His name is on the tip of my tongue, but I can't say it.

informal

"Bear the scars"

— To still be affected by a bad experience from the past.

He still bears the scars of that difficult childhood.

metaphorical

"Ring a bell"

— To sound familiar, even if you can't remember the details.

The name rings a bell, but I don't know where I heard it.

informal

"Lest we forget"

— A formal phrase used to say we should never forget those who died in war.

We place these flowers here, lest we forget.

very formal/solemn

"Memory like a sieve"

— To have a very poor memory; to forget things very easily.

I'm sorry, I have a memory like a sieve today.

informal

Easily Confused

remember vs remind

Both involve memory and start with 're-'.

You remember something yourself. Someone else reminds you of something. 'Remember' is internal; 'remind' is external.

I remember the meeting, but thanks for reminding me about the time.

remember vs memorize

Both relate to keeping information in the brain.

Memorizing is the work you do to put information in. Remembering is getting the information out later.

I had to memorize the poem, and now I remember it perfectly.

remember vs recall

They are synonyms in many contexts.

Recall is slightly more formal and often suggests a deliberate search for a specific fact.

I remember her face, but I can't recall her name.

remember vs recollect

They are synonyms.

Recollect is more formal and often used for long-term memories or stories.

As he grew older, he began to recollect his experiences during the war.

remember vs forget

It's the opposite, but learners sometimes swap them in negative sentences.

Don't remember = I can't find the memory. Forget = The memory is gone or I didn't do the task.

I didn't remember to bring it (I forgot).

Sentence Patterns

I remember [noun].

I remember the dog.

Remember to [verb].

Remember to smile.

I remember when [clause].

I remember when it rained.

Do you remember [wh- word]...?

Do you remember where we live?

I remember [verb]-ing.

I remember visiting Paris.

Remember me to [person].

Remember me to your brother.

It is important to remember that [clause].

It is important to remember that time is money.

[Noun] is remembered for [noun/gerund].

He is remembered for helping others.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; it is a core vocabulary word.

Common Mistakes

Using 'remind' instead of 'remember'. → I remember the day.
Learners often say 'I remind the day,' but 'remind' needs an object (someone else).
Using 'remember' in the continuous form. → I remember you.
Saying 'I am remembering you' is usually incorrect because it's a state, not an ongoing action.
Confusing 'remember to do' and 'remember doing'. → I remember locking the door.
Saying 'I remembered to lock the door' when you mean you have a memory of doing it is a timeline error.
Adding 'about' unnecessarily. → I remember the story.
Learners often say 'I remember about the story,' but the preposition is usually not needed.
Using 'remember' instead of 'memorize'. → I need to memorize these words.
Remembering is the result; memorizing is the active study process.

Tips

The 'To' vs '-ing' Rule

Always check if you are looking at the past or the future. If it's a memory of the past, use -ing. If it's a task for the future, use 'to'.

Remember vs. Remind

Never say 'He remembered me to do it.' Instead, say 'He reminded me to do it.' This is a very common mistake for learners.

Stress the Middle

Focus on the 'MEM' sound. It should be the loudest and longest part of the word: ri-MEM-ber.

Polite Greetings

Use 'Remember me to...' when ending a conversation with a friend to show you care about their family or other friends.

Vivid Memories

In creative writing, pair 'remember' with sensory words like 'smell,' 'sound,' or 'color' to make your memories come alive for the reader.

Memorize vs. Remember

Use 'memorize' when you are talking about the effort of studying. Use 'remember' when you are talking about the result during the test.

Catch the 'D'

In the past tense 'remembered,' the 'ed' sounds like a soft 'd'. Listen closely for it to distinguish between present and past.

Hedging

Use 'As far as I can remember' to protect yourself in case you are wrong about a fact. It makes you sound more careful and natural.

Jog Your Memory

If you can't remember something, ask someone to 'jog your memory' by giving you a hint.

Lest We Forget

Notice this phrase on war memorials. It's a very formal way of saying 'so that we don't forget.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word as 'Re-Member.' 'Re' means again, and 'Member' can be thought of as a member of a group. To remember is to bring a 'member' of your past back into the 'group' of your current thoughts.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant filing cabinet in your brain. When you remember, you are pulling a specific file out of a drawer and looking at it. For 'remember to do,' imagine a bright yellow sticky note on your forehead.

Word Web

Past Mind Forget Memory Recall Remind Task Brain

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your childhood using 'I remember...'. Then, write three things you must do tomorrow using 'I must remember to...'.

Word Origin

The word 'remember' entered the English language in the 14th century. It comes from the Old French word 'remembrer.' This French word was derived from the Late Latin 'rememorari.'

Original meaning: The Latin root 'rememorari' is a combination of 're-' (meaning 'again') and 'memorari' (meaning 'to be mindful of' or 'to bring to mind'). So, the literal meaning is 'to bring to mind again.'

It belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the Italic branch through Latin and then the Romance branch through French.

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when asking people to 'remember' traumatic events. Sometimes, people prefer to forget certain parts of their past.

In the UK and Commonwealth, the poppy is a symbol of remembrance. In the US, the phrase 'Remember the Alamo' is a famous historical rallying cry.

The song 'Remember the Time' by Michael Jackson. The movie 'A Walk to Remember' based on the Nicholas Sparks novel. The 'Remember Me' song from the Disney-Pixar movie 'Coco'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Daily Chores

Remember to buy milk.
Did you remember the keys?
I must remember to call him.
Remember to lock up.

Socializing

Do you remember me?
I remember you from school.
Remember that party?
Remember me to your family.

Education

Remember this formula.
I can't remember the answer.
Do you remember the lesson?
Remember to study.

Work

Remember the deadline.
I remember our agreement.
Please remember to CC me.
Remember the protocol.

Travel

Remember your passport.
I remember this street.
Do you remember the way?
Remember the hotel name.

Conversation Starters

"Do you remember the first time you traveled abroad?"

"What is the earliest thing you can remember from your childhood?"

"Do you remember what you were doing when you heard the big news?"

"Can you remember the names of all your primary school teachers?"

"Do you remember the best meal you ever ate?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a person you remember from your past who influenced you.

Describe a place you remember vividly and explain why it stays in your mind.

List five things you need to remember to do this week and why they are important.

Reflect on a time you forgot something important and what happened as a result.

Write about a historical event you remember and how it changed your perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct but mean different things. Use 'remember to do' for a task you need to perform (Remember to buy bread). Use 'remember doing' for a memory of a past action (I remember buying bread).

Usually, no. 'Remember' is a stative verb, so we use the simple present: 'I remember.' You only use 'remembering' as a gerund (Remembering names is hard) or in very specific contexts of active recall.

Remember is something you do (I remember the date). Remind is something that makes you remember (The calendar reminds me of the date).

You can say 'He is remembered for...' followed by a reason. For example, 'Einstein is remembered for his theory of relativity.' This is common in formal writing.

It is a polite, slightly old-fashioned way to ask someone to say hello to another person for you. 'Remember me to your mother' means 'Tell your mother I said hello.'

Yes, it is a regular verb. The past simple and past participle are both 'remembered.' The third-person singular is 'remembers.'

No, 'remember' is only a verb. The noun form is 'remembrance' or 'memory.'

Common adverbs include clearly, vividly, well, correctly, vaguely, and fondly. These help describe how strong or pleasant the memory is.

Not necessarily. 'Recall' is just more formal. In everyday conversation, 'remember' is almost always the better choice.

The most common opposite is 'forget.' Other opposites include 'overlook' or 'neglect' depending on the context.