Cool MateDon't forget vs Remember
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't forget
Top 2,000 (common)
Remember
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Most common: Remember
| Don't forget | Remember | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt fəˈɡɛt//🇺🇸 //doʊnt fərˈɡɛt// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmembə(r)/","/rɪˈmembəz/","/rɪˈmembəd/","/rɪˈmembərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmembər/","/rɪˈmembərz/","/rɪˈmembərd/","/rɪˈmembərɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Remember to do something | To keep something in your mind. |
| Example | Don't forget to bring your passport for the trip. | Please remember to bring your homework tomorrow. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | don't forget to, don't forget about, just don't forget | 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 |
| Common mistakes | Using 'don't forget' with negative objects incorrectly., Confusing with 'don't forget to forget', which changes the meaning., Omitting 'to' after 'forget' when specifying an action. | Using 'remember' when you mean 'remind'., Confusion between 'remember' and 'forget'., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'I remember' without specifying what. |
| Usage notes | Use when reminding someone of a task or obligation. More casual in tone, often friendly. | 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: Don't forget vs Remember
What's the difference between Don't forget and Remember?
Don't forget: Remember to do something Remember: To keep something in your mind.
Which is more common: Don't forget and Remember?
Remember is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't forget: Don't forget to bring your passport for the trip. Remember: Please remember to bring your homework tomorrow.
Can I use Don't forget and Remember interchangeably?
Not always. Don't forget 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.