remember the words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'remember the words' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when trying to remind someone of something that they should remember. For example, "Remember the words of wisdom from your grandmother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Remember the words "Just yourselves"?

The New York Times

And I don't remember the words.

The Guardian - Books

"I suspect I'll forever remember the words".

The New York Times

"And they remember the words; they didn't forget them".

The New York Times - Science

"I cannot remember the words that were said," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Will it go off OK? Can I remember the words?

The Guardian - Opinion

"I still remember the words in the book today.

The Guardian

Above all, I remember the words "listening post".

The New York Times

"Remember the words of the anthem: 'rockets' red glare,' " he said.

The New York Times

"Are you all up for that?" "Yeah!" "You remember the words?" "Oh yeah".

The New Yorker

"You remember the words better than I do," Deyo told her, accurately.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To help remember the words, try associating them with a vivid image or a memorable personal experience.

Common error

Avoid using "remember the words" when you actually want someone to understand the underlying concept or meaning. The phrase focuses specifically on recalling the exact language, not necessarily the broader idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remember the words" functions primarily as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to recall or keep in mind specific wording. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is both grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remember the words" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that functions as an imperative, prompting the listener to recall specific language. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established in English and sees frequent use across varied contexts. While applicable across various registers, it's particularly prominent in News & Media. When employing "remember the words", ensure that the focus remains on the exact wording rather than a broader conceptual understanding. Consider alternatives like "recall the words" for a more formal tone or "bear in mind the words" to emphasize importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recall the words

Replaces "remember" with "recall", emphasizing a more active retrieval from memory.

bear in mind the words

Emphasizes the importance of keeping specific words in one's thoughts.

keep in mind the words

Similar to "bear in mind", but slightly more informal.

don't forget the words

Focuses on avoiding forgetting the specific words.

retain the words

Highlights the action of holding onto or preserving the specific words.

memorize the words

Implies a deliberate effort to learn the specific words by heart.

commit the words to memory

Similar to "memorize", but more formal and emphatic.

reflect on the words

Shifts the focus to contemplating the meaning or significance of the specific words.

consider the words

Suggests thinking carefully about the implications or meaning of the specific words.

take note of the words

Emphasizes the importance of paying attention to and acknowledging the specific words.

FAQs

How can I use "remember the words" in a sentence?

You can use "remember the words" to emphasize the importance of recalling specific phrasing. For example, "Remember the words of the contract carefully before signing it".

What is a more formal way to say "remember the words"?

A more formal alternative to "remember the words" is to say "recall the words". This emphasizes a conscious effort to bring the words back to mind.

Is there a difference between "remember the words" and "understand the words"?

Yes, "remember the words" focuses on recalling the exact wording, while understanding the words focuses on comprehending the meaning behind them.

What can I say instead of "I can't remember the words"?

You can use alternatives like "I don't recall the words", "I can't quite remember the exact words", or "the words escape me".