What’s the Difference Between Remember and Remind?
Many students confuse remember and remind because both words are related to memory. Even so, in real English, they are used in very different ways. The key difference is not vocabulary level, but who does the remembering and who causes it.
So instead of translating word by word, let’s look at how we actually use these verbs in everyday English.
How We Use the Verb “Remember”
In most situations, we use remember when the memory happens in your own mind. The action comes from the person who remembers, not from someone else.
In other words, remember is internal.
Examples of How We Say It
For example, I remember our first class.
Here, the memory comes naturally from the speaker.
In addition, she remembered to call her friend.
This means she did not forget.
We also say: remember doing something.
For instance, I remember meeting him years ago.
As a result, remember is used when the mind recalls information or experiences.
How We Use the Verb “Remind”
Now let’s look at remind. We use remind when someone or something helps another person remember. The action comes from the outside.
Because of that, remind is not about your memory alone. It involves another person, situation, or object.
Examples of How We Say It
For example, please remind me about the meeting.
Here, someone else causes the memory.
Similarly, this song reminds me of my childhood.
The song triggers a memory.
We also say: remind someone to do something.
For example, she reminded him to bring his passport.
So, remind always needs an object: remind someone.
Remember vs Remind in Practical Use
The difference becomes clear when we compare them directly.
We use remember when the memory comes from inside.
We use remind when something causes the memory.
You remember something.
Someone reminds you of something.
Remember does not need another person.
Remind always involves someone or something else.
Common ESL Mistakes to Avoid
A very common mistake is using remember when remind is required.
Incorrect: Can you remember me about the class?
Correct: Can you remind me about the class?
Another frequent mistake is the opposite.
Incorrect: This photo reminds me doing my homework.
Correct: This photo reminds me of doing my homework.
A simple guide helps:
-
memory from your mind → remember
-
memory caused by something → remind
Useful Sentence Patterns
To make things even clearer, notice these patterns:
Remember to do something
Remember doing something
Remind someone to do something
Remind someone of something
These patterns appear constantly in everyday English.
