CWClearWord Lab

Confusing Words

Remember vs Remind

Remember means to keep something in your mind; remind means to help someone else remember.

Quick Answer

Use 'remember' when you keep something in your mind yourself. Use 'remind' when someone or something helps you (or another person) not to forget.

Core Difference

Remember is about your own memory; remind is about causing someone to remember.

Simple Explanation

Remember and remind are both about memory, but they work differently. When you remember something, you keep it in your mind or bring it back to your mind without help. For example, 'I remember her name.' When you remind someone, you help them remember something. For example, 'Please remind me to call my mother.' You can also say 'That reminds me...' when something makes you remember.

Word Details

remember

verb

to have or bring back a memory

remember + nounremember + to + verbremember + that clause

remind

verb

to help someone remember

remind + someoneremind + someone + to + verbremind + someone + of + noun

Examples

remember

I remember our first date clearly.

You keep the memory in your mind.

remember

Please remember to lock the door.

You must not forget to do it.

remember

Do you remember where we parked?

You try to bring back a memory.

remind

Can you remind me to buy milk?

You ask someone to help you not forget.

remind

This song reminds me of my childhood.

The song makes you remember.

remind

I set an alarm to remind me of the meeting.

The alarm helps you remember.

Practice Quiz

Choose one answer. Mistakes are saved for review.

1. I always ______ to feed the cat before I leave.

2. Could you ______ me to bring the documents?

3. This photo ______ me of our vacation.

4. I don't ______ where I put my keys.

5. Please ______ him to call me back.

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