remember
A1Neutral (used in all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
to have or keep an image, idea, or fact in your mind, or to bring it back into your mind.
To do something that you have arranged to do, or not to forget to do it; to think about someone with respect, affection, or by making a tribute; to give money or a present to someone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can imply both the passive state of retaining information and the active process of recalling it. Often used with a sense of personal experience or obligation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in typical collocations and preposition use (e.g., 'remember to do' vs. 'remember doing' is taught uniformly). The verb itself is identical in use.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. In memorial contexts, both use it similarly (e.g., 'remember the fallen').
Frequency
Equally high-frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
remember + noun/pronoun (I remember her).remember + that-clause (I remember that it was cold).remember + wh-clause (I remember where I put it).remember + -ing form (I remember seeing her).remember + to-infinitive (Remember to call me).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Remember me to...”
- “A day to remember”
- “As far as I can remember”
- “If I remember rightly/ correctly”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reminders for tasks, meetings, and deadlines (e.g., 'Remember to submit the report by Friday').
Academic
Used when citing prior knowledge or literature (e.g., 'Remember that the study had several limitations').
Everyday
The most common context, for personal memories and reminders (e.g., 'Do you remember our old teacher?').
Technical
Rare in pure technical writing; used in user instructions (e.g., 'Remember to save your work frequently').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I don't remember the postcode.
- Remember to ring Mum later.
- We will remember him with great affection.
American English
- I don't remember the zip code.
- Remember to call Mom later.
- We will remember him fondly.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form. 'Memorably' is a related concept adverb.
American English
- No standard adverb form. 'Memorably' is a related concept adverb.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective form. 'Remembered' is a participle (the much-remembered victory).
American English
- No common adjective form. 'Remembered' is a participle (a well-remembered speech).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I remember your name.
- Please remember your password.
- Do you remember me?
- I can't remember where I parked the car.
- He suddenly remembered the appointment.
- Remember to turn off the lights.
- She vividly remembers the day they first met.
- If I remember rightly, the meeting starts at three.
- It's important to remember that results may vary.
- Historians will remember this as a pivotal moment in the conflict.
- The statute was erected to remember those who had fallen.
- I distinctly remember him contesting that point during the debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + MEMBER. Imagine you become a 'member' again (RE-MEMBER) of a club you were in long ago, which makes you think of the past.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMEMBERING IS SEEING/LOOKING AT ("I see it clearly in my mind"), REMEMBERING IS HOLDING/KEEPING ("Hold that thought", "Keep it in mind"), THE MIND IS A STORAGE CONTAINER ("It's stored in my memory").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing 'remember to do' (не забыть сделать) vs. 'remember doing' (помнить, как делал).
- Overusing 'recall' in everyday contexts where 'remember' is more natural.
- Translating 'напомнить' directly as 'remember me' instead of 'remind me'.
Common Mistakes
- I always remember going there (ambiguous: could mean I recall the experience OR I never forget to go).
- She remembered me the appointment. (Incorrect valency; should be 'She reminded me of the appointment.').
- I am remembering my childhood. (Avoid progressive for stative meaning; simple present 'I remember' is better).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence correctly uses 'remember' to mean 'not to forget a future task'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Remember to do' refers to not forgetting to perform a future action. 'Remember doing' refers to having a memory of a past action or event.
It is grammatically possible but uncommon. 'Remember' is usually a stative verb describing a state of mind, so simple tenses (I remember) are preferred. The progressive form might be used for emphasis or a developing process (e.g., 'I'm slowly remembering the events of that night').
The primary noun form is 'remembrance'. 'Memory' is a close conceptual relative but is not a direct derivation.
Not typically in modern English. We say 'She reminded me of you' (not 'She remembered me of you'). 'Remember' can take a direct object or a clause.
Collections
Part of a collection
Emotions and Feelings
A2 · 33 words · Words to describe how you feel.