Remember vs Remind: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
While "remember" means to recall something, "remind" is used to prompt someone about something.
Memory Tip: remember = me, remind = mind others
remember has /bər/, remind has /maɪnd/
remember /rɪˈmɛmbər/
verbTo keep something in your mind or to not forget it.
Example:
I remember my first day at school; it was very exciting.
Common patterns:
remember something
remember to do something
remind
verbTo remind someone means to help them remember something they might forget.
Example:
Please remind me to call Sarah after lunch.
Common patterns:
remind someone of something
remind someone to do something
be reminded by someone
Common Mistakes
Can you remember me to call the doctor tomorrow?
Can you remind me to call the doctor tomorrow?
The speaker is asking someone else to prompt them about calling the doctor.
I need to remind my keys before leaving the house.
I need to remember my keys before leaving the house.
The speaker is trying to recall their keys themselves, not prompting someone else.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I ____ my first day at school; it was very exciting.
2. Please ____ me to call Sarah after lunch.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse remember / remind again
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