What is remember? Pronunciation and usage in English

remember means . Learn how to pronounce and use remember through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of remember

rememberverb

/rɪˈmɛmbə/
Definition & pronunciation of remember

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "remember" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

"Remember" is actually two syllables:

  • re - (like the beginning of "red")
  • mem - (like the beginning of "melody")

2. Pronunciation:

Here’s a detailed breakdown, with sounds and tips:

  • re: Pronounced like the "re" in “red” – a short, open “uh” sound.
  • mem: This is where it gets tricky. It sounds like "mem" as in "member" (as in membership). It's NOT “hum.” It’s a slightly drawn-out “mem” sound.
  • ber: This is pronounced like "bur" as in "burn" - a short "uh" sound.

3. Putting it Together:

So, the whole word is pronounced something like: reh-mem-bur

4. Tips & Considerations:

  • Stress: The stress (emphasis) is on the second syllable: re-MEM-ber. This is key to getting the rhythm right.
  • Linking: In natural speech, the 're' and the 'mem' often blend together slightly – you won't hear a distinct pause between them.
  • Don’t say “hum”: Many learners incorrectly pronounce "mem" as “hum.” It's important to get this sound right.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce remember" on Google. You’ll often see audio clips and videos.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/remember/ - Forvo is a website where native speakers pronounce words.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for “how to pronounce remember” – you’ll find many tutorials.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Your native language can influence how you pronounce English words.)

Usage and examples with the word remember in English

Let's break down how to use the word "remember" in English. It's a really common word, but it has a few different ways to be used, so let's cover them:

1. As a Verb – To Recall a Past Event or Fact

This is the most common usage. It means to bring something back to your mind.

  • Simple Past: I remember meeting you last week. (You had the experience of meeting them and it's now recalled)
  • Present Perfect: Have you ever remembered his birthday? (Did you ever experience remembering his birthday?)
  • Past Perfect: She remembered she had left her keys at the restaurant. (She recalled that she had left them at a specific time in the past)

Examples:

  • "Do you remember what you ate for breakfast?"
  • "I remember watching that movie when I was a child."
  • "He remembered to send the email."

2. As a Verb – To Hold Something in Your Mind (Often Annoyingly)

This usage is less common, but important to know. It implies that you’re holding onto something, often something slightly negative, and it's bothering you.

  • Often used with "don't": Don't remember to be rude! (Don’t dwell on being rude – let it go.)
  • Often used with "not": I remember not seeing him yesterday. (I am dwelling on the fact that I didn’t see him.)
  • Phrases: Remember to… (This is a common instruction – "Remember to lock the door!")

3. As an Adverb (Less Common, but Worth Knowing)

  • “Remember” as a polite way to signal you want to hear something: Remember, I’m really busy right now. (This is a way of saying, "Please be mindful that...")
  • “Remember” as a gentle reminder: Remember your manners. (Say this as if you're reminding someone of a good habit)

Key Phrases Using "Remember"

  • Remember when…? (This starts a story about a shared past experience – “Remember when we went to the beach?”)
  • Remember to… (Give a reminder – “Remember to turn off the lights.”)
  • Remember that… (Point out something important – “Remember that you’re strong and capable.”)
  • I'll never remember… (Express something you'll never forget)

Tips for Using "Remember" Correctly

  • Tense Consistency: Be mindful of the tense you're using. “Remember” is generally in the past tense.
  • Context is Key: The meaning of "remember" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.

Let’s Test Your Understanding:

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “remember”:

  1. I _______________ to buy milk, but I forgot. (present perfect)
  2. Do you _______________ her name? (present simple)
  3. She _______________ a wonderful time on her vacation. (past simple)
  4. ______________ to bring a jacket; it’s cold outside. (adverbial reminder)

Answers:

  1. haven’t remembered
  2. remember
  3. remembered
  4. Remember

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific usage of "remember" (e.g., "remember when...")?
  • Help you practice using "remember" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word remember

Idioms of the word remember

be (best) remembered for something | be (best) remembered as something
to be famous or known for a particular thing that you have done in the past
  • He is best remembered as the man who brought jazz to England.
  • She is best remembered for her first book, ‘In the Ditch’.

Practice with vocabulary remember

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Please ______ to submit your weekly report by Friday afternoon.
  2. During the meeting, she couldn't ______ the exact figure, so she promised to check her notes.
  3. I need to ______ to bring my laptop charger tomorrow; otherwise, I won't be able to work.
  4. The antique dealer could ______ the unique craftsmanship of the vase from a similar piece he had seen years ago.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words describes the act of retaining information or an experience in one's memory? a) Replicate b) Memorize c) Remember d) Recall

  2. Which action involves bringing a past event or fact back into one's conscious mind? a) Conceal b) Recollect c) Forget d) Imagine

  3. When preparing for the presentation, it's vital to ______ the key statistics we discussed. a) Remember b) Overlook c) Disregard d) Keep in mind

  4. When you encounter someone you haven't seen in years and identify them, you ______ them. a) Recognize b) Understand c) Misjudge d) Forget

  5. As project manager, you must ______ to delegate tasks effectively to avoid burnout. a) Remember b) Neglect c) Keep track of d) Make a note to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is important that you do not forget to lock the office door before you leave. (Rewrite using "remember")
  2. She recounted the entire incident to the police officer in great detail. (Rewrite without using "remember")
  3. I have a clear mental image of our first product launch event. (Rewrite using "remember")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. remember
  2. recall
  3. remember
  4. recognize

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Memorize, c) Remember, d) Recall
  2. b) Recollect
  3. a) Remember, d) Keep in mind
  4. a) Recognize
  5. a) Remember, d) Make a note to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. You must remember to lock the office door before you leave.
  2. She described the entire incident to the police officer in great detail.
  3. I clearly remember our first product launch event.

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