remind
B1Neutral (used in all registers from informal to formal).
Definition
Meaning
to cause (someone) to remember something or to think about something again.
To prompt or make someone aware of a fact, task, resemblance, or obligation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always requires a direct object (the person being reminded). The content of the reminder is introduced by 'of', 'about', or a 'that'-clause. It often implies a past knowledge or prior arrangement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor lexical preferences may appear in surrounding context.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and standard in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
remind + object + of + nounremind + object + about + nounremind + object + that-clauseremind + object + to-infinitiveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “remind me of the time...”
- “Need I remind you...?”
- “It reminds me of...”
- “If memory serves (to remind)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for task management and follow-ups, e.g., 'Please remind me about the client meeting tomorrow.'
Academic
Used to prompt recall of theories or prior arguments, e.g., 'This finding reminds us of the earlier work by Smith.'
Everyday
Common for personal memory prompts and noting resemblances, e.g., 'That song reminds me of our holiday.'
Technical
Rare in pure technical contexts; more common in procedural or instructional writing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you remind me to collect the post?
- That smell reminds me of my grandmother's house.
- He reminded the committee of the agreed budget.
American English
- Can you remind me to pick up the mail?
- That scent reminds me of my grandma's place.
- She reminded the board about the scheduled audit.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please remind me later.
- You remind me of my friend.
- She reminded him about the party.
- I need to remind myself to buy milk.
- The report reminded us that costs were rising.
- May I remind you of your obligations under the contract?
- The stark imagery served to remind the public of the ongoing crisis.
- He needed no reminding of the potential consequences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-turn to MIND. You bring something back to someone's mind.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEMORY IS A STORAGE SPACE (bringing something out of storage), THINKING IS A PATH (directing someone back along it).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'remember' incorrectly. Russian 'напомнить' maps directly to 'remind'. You remind SOMEONE. You remember SOMETHING.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'remember' transitively for people (e.g., 'I will remember you to call him' instead of 'I will remind you to call him').
- Omitting the direct object (e.g., 'I need to remind about the appointment.').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence is CORRECT?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Remind' is causative and transitive; you cause someone else (or yourself) to recall. 'Remember' is a state; you recall something yourself.
No, 'remind' always requires a direct object (the person being reminded).
Primarily 'of' (for memories/resemblances) and 'about' (for facts/tasks). Also 'that' clauses and infinitive constructions ('to do').
It is neutral and appropriate for all contexts, from casual conversation to formal writing.