Remember to Do vs Remember Doing: Master the Difference with 100 Examples

Struggling with “remember to lock the door” versus “remember locking the door”? This common grammar point trips up many English learners. The difference is crucial: one refers to future obligations, the other to past memories. Mastering “remember to do vs remember doing” will sharpen your communication and boost your performance in exams. Let’s clarify it with simple rules and 100 clear examples.

Introduction: Remember to Do vs Remember Doing

The English phrases “remember to do” and “remember doing” may look similar, but they convey entirely different meanings. Understanding the distinction between “remember to do vs remember doing” is a cornerstone of accurate English communication and is frequently tested in competitive examinations. This subtle difference hinges on whether the action is a future task you must not forget or a past event you can recall. Failing to grasp this concept can lead to significant misunderstandings. This article will provide a clear breakdown, practical tips, and extensive examples to ensure you never confuse the two again.

The Core Difference Explained

• Remember to do (something): Refers to a future obligation. You think first and then perform the action. It means “do not forget to perform a task that needs to be done.”
  • Example: Please remember to pay the bill. (Pay the bill in the future).
• Remember doing (something): Refers to a memory of a past event. The action happened first, and now you recall it.
  • Example: I remember paying the bill. (I have a memory of the past act of paying).

Important Tips for Students & Exam Candidates

1. Time Frame is Key: Always identify the time frame of the action. Is it pending (use infinitive: to do) or completed (use gerund: doing)?
2. Common Exam Trap: Competitive exams like IELTS, TOEFL, SSC, and Bank PO often test this in sentence correction or fill-in-the-blank questions. Read the surrounding context carefully for time markers (e.g., yesterday, last week, later, don’t forget).
3. Parallel with ‘Forget’: The same rule applies to the verb ‘forget’.
   • I forgot to call him. (I didn’t call).
   • I forgot calling him. (I called, but I don’t have the memory now).
4. ‘Recall’ and ‘Recollect’: These synonyms for ‘remember’ are typically followed only by the gerund (doing), not the infinitive.

100 Examples of “Remember to Do vs Remember Doing”

Remember to do (Future Task):

1. Remember to turn off the lights.
2. Did you remember to buy milk?
3. She must remember to call her mom.
4. I’ll remember to send the email.
5. He didn’t remember to lock the car.
6. Remember to take your medicine.
7. We should remember to book tickets.
8. Please remember to water the plants.
9. I can’t remember to bring my charger.
10. Remember to wish her happy birthday.
11. Did he remember to set the alarm?
12. Remember to check the deadline.
13. I always remember to back up my files.
14. She forgot to remember to RSVP.
15. Remember to wear a seatbelt.
16. I must remember to confirm the meeting.
17. Remember to save your work.
18. They didn’t remember to close the gate.
19. Please remember to sign the form.
20. Remember to speak slowly.
21. I will remember to be on time.
22. Remember to thank the host.
23. She needs to remember to charge her phone.
24. Remember to look both ways.
25. I try to remember to drink water.
26. Remember to attach the file.
27. He should remember to apologize.
28. Remember to set a password.
29. Did you remember to feed the dog?
30. Remember to double-check the address.
31. I must remember to renew my passport.
32. Remember to get a receipt.
33. She didn’t remember to mute her mic.
34. Remember to take notes.
35. I’ll remember to be polite.
36. Remember to update the software.
37. He failed to remember to pay the fine.
38. Remember to make a list.
39. I always remember to stretch.
40. Remember to clarify your doubts.
41. She must remember to return the book.
42. Remember to factor in the cost.
43. I didn’t remember to set the DVR.
44. Remember to introduce yourself.
45. Remember to follow up next week.
46. He needs to remember to be careful.
47. Remember to pack an umbrella.
48. I will remember to ask the question.
49. Remember to proofread your essay.
50. Please remember to be quiet.

Remember doing (Past Memory):

51. I remember meeting her in 2010.
52. Do you remember watching that movie?
53. She remembers visiting Paris as a child.
54. I don’t remember saying that.
55. He remembers falling off his bike.
56. I distinctly remember locking the door.
57. Do you remember learning this in school?
58. I remember feeling very excited.
59. She doesn’t remember breaking the vase.
60. I remember telling you the truth.
61. He remembers winning the competition.
62. I can’t remember eating breakfast today.
63. They remember building this house.
64. I remember hearing a strange noise.
65. Do you remember getting lost?
66. I vividly remember seeing the accident.
67. She remembers choosing this career path.
68. I don’t remember agreeing to that.
69. He remembers mailing the package.
70. I remember trying sushi for the first time.
71. Do you remember passing this place?
72. I remember deciding to move here.
73. She remembers finishing the project.
74. I don’t remember giving you permission.
75. He remembers catching a big fish.
76. I remember asking for help.
77. Do you remember buying these shoes?
78. I remember feeling relieved.
79. She remembers signing the contract.
80. I can’t remember putting my keys here.
81. They remember celebrating the victory.
82. I remember promising to help.
83. Do you remember reading this book?
84. I remember hitting the submit button.
85. He remembers proposing to his wife.
86. I don’t remember receiving the letter.
87. She remembers graduating college.
88. I remember apologizing to him.
89. Do you remember taking this photo?
90. I remember understanding the concept.
91. He remembers fixing the leak.
92. I can’t remember mentioning his name.
93. She remembers accepting the job offer.
94. I remember recommending this restaurant.
95. Do you remember playing here as a kid?
96. I remember feeling scared.
97. He remembers painting the fence.
98. I don’t remember deleting the file.
99. She remembers writing that essay.
100. I clearly remember explaining the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Remember to Do vs Remember Doing

Q1: Can I use ‘remember’ with both forms for the same action?
A: Yes, but the meaning changes completely. “I remembered to visit the doctor” means I didn’t forget my appointment. “I remember visiting the doctor” means I have a memory of the past visit.

Q2: Is ‘I remember to go to the beach last summer’ correct?
A: No, it is incorrect. Since ‘last summer’ indicates a past time, you must use the gerund: “I remember going to the beach last summer.”

Q3: What about ‘remember’ in the negative, like ‘I don’t remember’?
A: The same rule applies. “I don’t remember to call him” is unusual because it negates a future duty (typically we’d say “I forgot to call him”). “I don’t remember calling him” is common and means you have no memory of the past action of calling.

Conclusion: Remember to Do vs Remember Doing
Mastering the distinction between remember to do vs remember doing is a small but powerful step toward English proficiency. By focusing on the time sequence of the action—future task versus past memory—you can avoid common errors and express yourself with precision. This knowledge is not only vital for daily conversation but also a proven asset in competitive examinations. Keep the 100 examples provided here as a handy reference, and you will confidently navigate this essential grammar point.

Disclaimer: Remember to Do vs Remember Doing

This article is intended for educational purposes to explain grammatical concepts. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, language usage can vary. For high-stakes examinations, always refer to the specific guidelines and prescribed materials of the testing authority.

Also Read: Mastering Past Tenses: The Crucial Was Doing vs Did Difference Explained

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