The verbs 'remember' and 'remind' have different meanings and uses but they are often confused
by learners of English.
'Remember' is something you can do alone. It means to keep something in your mind/to not forget.
'Remind' means that someone or something causes a thought or makes you remember something.
You 'remind' someone of something so that they will 'remember' it!
by learners of English.
'Remember' is something you can do alone. It means to keep something in your mind/to not forget.
'Remind' means that someone or something causes a thought or makes you remember something.
You 'remind' someone of something so that they will 'remember' it!
VERB | MEANING | EXAMPLE |
| REMEMBER | • To have/to keep in one's memory. | ♦ Do you remember the name of the book? ♦ I don't remember the author's name. |
| • Recalling a past action. | ♦ I remember buying sugar yesterday. ♦ I remember putting the book on the shelf. | |
| • Don't forget, keep in mind. | ♦ Remember to lock the door when you leave. ♦ Remember to fasten your safety belt. | |
| REMIND | • Cause someone to think of something. | ♦ Apple tart reminds me of my grandmother. ♦ This town reminds me of the place where I grew up. |
| • Make someone remember something possibly forgotten. | ♦ Remind me to call my sister. It's her birthday today.♦ I reminded him that we had signed an agreement. ♦ Passengers are reminded that smoking is not allowed on board. | |
| Anne to her son Steve : | "Remember to turn off the the lights before you leave. |
| Anne to her friend Sue : | "I reminded Steve to turn off the lights before he left." |
| Sue to Anne : | "You remind me of my grandmother - always giving instructions!" |
