remember
/rɪˈmembə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈmembər/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈmem-bər/ (ame, mw)
remember — verb
- rememberpresent simple I / you / we / they
- remembershe / she / it
- rememberedpast simple
- remembering-ing form
1. to pull back into your thoughts a fact, event, or detail that you knew before —
to pull back into your thoughts a fact, event, or detail that you knew before — such as a phone number, a person’s name, or what happened on a certain day.
Kenji suddenly remembered that he had left his laptop on the train.
remember + that-clause
Do you remember the address of that little bakery in Kyoto?
remember + noun phrase (question)
I can’t remember where I put my reading glasses this time.
Eleni remembered meeting Arjun at the conference in Singapore two years ago.
- forget
the opposite mental process: to lose information from memory
文法句型
remember + noun/pronoun
remember + that-clause
remember + wh-clause
remember + -ing form
常見錯誤
2. to not fail to do something that you intend or are supposed to do.
to not fail to do something that you intend or are supposed to do.
Please remember to turn off the lights before you leave the office.
imperative: remember + to-infinitive
Lien remembered to call her mother on the way to the station.
past tense: remembered + to-infinitive
Did you remember to feed the cat before we left for the weekend?
Walid always remembers to thank the bus driver when he gets off.
文法句型
remember + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: 'remember to do' refers to a future action you must not skip, while 'remember doing' recalls a past event. 'I remembered to buy milk' means you bought it as planned; 'I remember buying milk' means you can picture the purchase happening.
常見錯誤
3. to be known or famous for something you did or a quality you had, so that people
to be known or famous for something you did or a quality you had, so that people continue to think of you after that time.
Dr. Okonkwo will be remembered for his free medical clinics in rural areas.
passive: be remembered for [achievement]
Esteban is remembered as one of the finest architects of his generation.
passive: be remembered as [role]
The chef is most remembered for her kindness to young cooks in the kitchen.
That one act of bravery is what the firefighter is most remembered for.
- commemorate
more formal and public; often used for official ceremonies or monuments
- be famous for
focuses on current fame rather than posthumous memory
文法句型
be remembered for + noun/-ing
be remembered as + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used in the passive voice. The subject can be a person, a personal quality, or a specific achievement. The active form ('People remember him for...') exists but is noticeably less common.
4. used when telling someone about something they already know but may have tempora
used when telling someone about something they already know but may have temporarily forgotten — often in the form of a polite reminder in conversation.
Remember, Sana, the train leaves at six in the morning, not in the evening.
imperative with direct address
But remember that the store closes early on Sundays in this town.
remember + that-clause as reminder
And remember, Iris, your passport needs to be valid for at least six more months.
Also, Ari, remember that the museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
文法句型
remember + that-clause (conversational imperative)
用法筆記
Only used in the imperative form or as part of a conversational that-clause. The listener already knows the information; the speaker is simply helping them keep it in mind. This sense is distinct from sense 1, where the listener is genuinely being told something new.
5. to keep the memory of an important occasion or a deceased person alive through f
to keep the memory of an important occasion or a deceased person alive through formal ceremonies, permanent markers, or annual customs.
The town holds a ceremony each spring to remember those lost at sea.
remember in ceremonial context
Students planted a garden near the school to remember the children lost in the fire.
passive: was planted to remember
Every year the village remembers the flood of 1972 with a moment of silence.
Baraka lit a candle every year on his father’s birthday to remember him.
- commemorate
more specific: always involves a formal or public act; 'remember' in this sense is slightly softer
- honour
broader scope — can also apply to living people and current achievements
文法句型
remember + noun (ceremonial context)
6. to show affection or gratitude by leaving money, a gift, or a reward for someone
to show affection or gratitude by leaving money, a gift, or a reward for someone — often arranged through a will, a tip, or a planned donation.
Aunt Tamar remembered all her nieces and nephews in her will.
remembered in + [legal document]
The tourists remembered their driver with a generous tip at the end of the trip.
remembered with + [gift]
Mr. Nakamura remembered the local animal shelter in his estate plan.
The old professor remembered his university with a donation to the library fund.
文法句型
remember + person + in + legal document
remember + person + with + gift
7. to ask someone to pass along your good wishes or friendly greetings to another p
to ask someone to pass along your good wishes or friendly greetings to another person.
Please remember me to your parents when you speak with them tonight.
imperative: remember me to + person
Christopher asked me to remember him to everyone in the sales team.
ask + object + to remember + object + to + person
Before hanging up, she said, “Remember me to your sister and the kids.”
Walid waved from the door and said, “Remember me to Kenji when you see him.”
文法句型
remember + object + to + person
用法筆記
This structure is fixed: 'remember + object (me/him/her/us/them) + to + person'. It can also be expressed as 'send my regards to' or 'give my love to'. More common in British English than American English.