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
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| a person keeps or recalls something in their own memory | remember | The subject does the remembering. |
| a person or thing causes another person to remember | remind + person | The reminder prompts someone else’s memory. |
| tell someone not to forget a task | remind + person + to-infinitive | Name the person being prompted before the action. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the subject personally recalling or keeping the information in memory?
If yes: Use “remember.”
If no: If someone or something prompts another person’s memory, use “remind.”
Examples
I remember the address.
The speaker holds the information in memory.
Please remind me about the appointment.
The listener is asked to prompt the speaker’s memory.
That photo reminds me of our first office.
The photo triggers a memory in another person.
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