These two English words are both related to memory, but they have slightly different meanings, and there are different rules for using them. Let’s have a look at how to use the verbs remember and remind.
Remember
To remember something means to recall information, or have a memory of something.
The verb remember can have an object, but it doesn’t necessarily need one.
For example:
“We came to this restaurant last year. Do you remember?”
“Do you remember this restaurant?”
Remember + verb
We can follow the verb ‘remember’ with an infinitive verb. For example: “Did you remember to do your homework?”
“Did you remember to lock the door?”
We can also use a gerund verb with ‘remember’, but this changes the meaning of the sentence. It means that we have a memory of the action.
For example: “Do you remember swimming in the sea when you were a child?”
“I remember meeting a celebrity in LA.”
Gerund vs. Infinitive
When using an infinitive verb, we describe remembering the need to do an action, and completing it.
When using a gerund verb, we describe remembering the act of doing the action.
For example:
Oh no! I didn’t remember to lock the door! = I forgot to lock the door.
I don’t remember locking the door. = I have no memory of doing the action. Maybe I locked it, but maybe I didn’t.
Remind
To remind means to cause someone to think about something that they had perhaps previously forgotten, or weren’t currently thinking about.
The verb remind always needs an object (remind me, remind you, remind them, etc.)
We can remind someone OF something/someone, or remind someone TO DO something.
The noun form is ‘reminder’. For example: “My computer sends me a reminder half an hour before an event.”
“I left you a reminder on your desk with notes for this afternoon’s meeting.”
Examples:
“I don’t remember what time the meeting is on Friday, sorry. Could you remind me?”
“The new guy at work reminds me of an actor on Coronation Street.”
“You remind me of my childhood friend, Amy. You have the same mannerisms.”
“The mother reminded her child to do his homework.”
Practice: Remember or Remind
Practice your understanding of remember and remind. Select the correct option to complete these sentences. Want us to check your answers? Post your answers in the comments below, or send us an email at hello@intrepidenglish.co.uk.
- Please remember/remind to buy me a present on your trip to Paris.
- A package arrived for me today but I don’t remember/remind ordering anything.
- Please remember/remind me what time the flight leaves tomorrow.
- There’s something about Jonathon that I don’t like. I think it’s because he really remembers/reminds me of a bully from school.
- Do you remember/remind much from your childhood?
- Sometimes the children don’t remember/remind to bring the correct book, so we need to remember/remind them several times.
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