Cool MateBy memory vs Recall vs Remember
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
By memory
Recall
Remember
| By memory | Recall | Remember | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //baɪ ˈmɛməri//🇺🇸 //baɪ ˈmɛməri// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈkɔːl/","/rɪˈkɔːlz/","/rɪˈkɔːld/","/rɪˈkɔːlɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈkɔːl/","/rɪˈkɔːlz/","/rɪˈkɔːld/","/rɪˈkɔːlɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmembə(r)/","/rɪˈmembəz/","/rɪˈmembəd/","/rɪˈmembərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmembər/","/rɪˈmembərz/","/rɪˈmembərd/","/rɪˈmembərɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Remembering something without looking at notes. | To remember something from the past. | To keep something in your mind. |
| Example | She recited the poem by memory during the class. | I can easily recall the events of that day. | Please remember to bring your homework tomorrow. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | |
| Collocations | learn by memory, recall by memory, speak by memory, write by memory, sing by memory | clearly, distinctly, vividly, seem to, be able to, can, recall how…, recall seeing, reading, hearing, etc. something | clearly, distinctly, vividly, can, try to, be important to, as, for, clearly, distinctly, vividly, can, try to, be important to, as, for, clearly, distinctly, vividly, can, try to, be important to, as, for |
| Antonyms | - | forget, overlook | forget |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'from memory', which has a similar meaning but is less formal., Using in very formal situations where a more precise term is required., Forgetting to use context to clarify what is being remembered. | Used as a noun instead of verb (e.g., 'the recall' instead of 'to recall'), Confused with 'recollect' which has a slightly different nuance, Misused in contexts where 'forget' is more appropriate | Using 'remember' when you mean 'remind'., Confusion between 'remember' and 'forget'., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'I remember' without specifying what. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in academic and informal settings. Avoid in highly technical or formal writing. | Used when talking about memory or past experiences. More common in formal or academic contexts. Avoid in casual speech where other words like 'remember' may be preferred. | Use 'remember' when referring to recalling information or past experiences. It is neutral and widely applicable but avoid in very formal contexts where alternatives like 'recollect' might be more suitable. |
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Frequently asked questions: By memory vs Recall vs Remember
What's the difference between By memory, Recall, and Remember?
By memory: Remembering something without looking at notes. Recall: To remember something from the past. Remember: To keep something in your mind.
Which is more common: By memory, Recall, and Remember?
Remember is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: By memory, Recall, and Remember?
Recall is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
By memory: She recited the poem by memory during the class. Recall: I can easily recall the events of that day. Remember: Please remember to bring your homework tomorrow.
Can I use By memory, Recall, and Remember interchangeably?
Not always. By memory, Recall, and Remember are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.