English UsageGrammar guide
Remember vs. Remind
“Remember” describes retaining or bringing something back to mind. “Remind” describes causing a person to remember, so it commonly includes the person who receives the reminder as an object.
Use “remember” when the person has or recalls the memory; use “remind” when someone or something prompts another person to remember.
Key details
Remember Rolekeep or bring something back into your own mind
Remind Rolecause someone to remember or think of something
Remind Structureremind commonly takes the person being prompted as an object
Further guidance
Memory Boundary
Use remember for having or recovering the memory yourself.
Prompt Boundary
Use remind when a person or thing causes someone to remember; common patterns include remind someone to do something and remind someone of/about something.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Remember or remind? — English Grammar Today (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Remember for retaining/recalling and remind for causing someone to remember