Remember vs Remind: What’s the difference?

Many words in English are commonly confused by both those learning the language and native speakers alike. Two such words are “remember” and “remind”. These words are commonly confused as they are both verbs which relate to memory. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the difference between “remember” and “remind” and how to use them correctly in a sentence when speaking or writing.

Check out other easily confused words in English by visiting this page. Teachers and students can download this guide as a PDF file using the link at the bottom of the page.

Remember

“Remember” is a verb that means to bring something to mind that you have experienced, learned or been told. It is often used to describe the act of recalling information or past events. It is also used to describe the ability to retain information. The subject of “remember” is the person who is recalling their memories, and the object is the memory itself. Alternatively, “remember” can be used with the ‘to’ infinitive to refer to something you need (or needed) to do in the future.

How to use “remember” in a sentence:

1. I remember the day we first met.
2. She couldn’t remember his phone number.
3. He always remembers his wife’s birthday.
4. Do you remember what you said to her last night?
5. They will never forget the time they spent in Paris.
6. We must remember to bring the cake to the party.

Remind

“Remind” is a verb that means to cause or provoke someone to remember something. It is often used to describe the act of helping someone to recall information or past events. The object of “remind” is the person who needs to be reminded. The memory is typically connected to the sentence using the preposition “of”. Alternatively, remind can be used to cause someone to remember to do something in the future, in which case, the ‘to’ infinitive or a “that” clause can be used.

How to use “remind” in a sentence:

1. The picture reminded her of her childhood.
2. She reminded him of his promise to help her move.
3. The alarm clock reminded me that it was time to get up.
4. Can you remind me to call my mother tonight?
5. I need to remind myself to exercise every day.
6. He reminded the students to study for the exam.

Why are “remember” and “remind” commonly confused?

The words “remember” and “remind” are commonly confused because they both deal with memory. However, “remember” is used when one recalls information or past events while “remind” is used when someone else helps to recall information or past events.

Summary

remember – a verb to bring to mind something the subject has experienced or learned

remind – a verb to cause someone (the object) to remember something

Do you know the difference between “remember” and “remind”?

Fill in the blanks in the following activity with the correct form of the word (“remember” or “remind”):

1. Please _______ me to buy milk on the way home.
2. I can’t _______ the name of that song.
3. She always _______ me of my birthday.
4. He needs to _______ to take his medication.
5. I _______ the first time we met like it was yesterday.
6. Can you _______ me what time the meeting starts?
7. The picture _______ me of my grandmother’s house.
8. They _______ me that we have a dentist appointment tomorrow.
9. I don’t _______ seeing that movie before.
10. She _______ him of their promise to go hiking next weekend.

Answers: 1. remind, 2. remember, 3. reminds, 4. remember, 5. remember, 6. remind, 7. reminded, 8. reminded, 9. remember, 10. reminded