remember your place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remember your place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being reminded to maintain their position or status, often in a hierarchical or social setting. Example: "During the meeting, she was reminded to remember her place and not interrupt the senior executives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Both remember your place in a movie if you resume watching it on another gadget.

The New York Times - Tech

Movies, books and even certain games remember your place as you move from gadget to gadget.

The New York Times - Tech

It takes some stuff to remember your place so long as you're earning a living, and I'll always have to earn a living.

The New Yorker

Though she sees through the era's gender and class hypocrisies, she's also bound by them, persisting in loving and defending her inventively abusive master, a man who likes to warn her to "remember your place".

The New York Times - Books

Remember your "place".

Huffington Post

Remember your place is small in the universe.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

One of the best features of Google eBooks is that it remembers your place and starts you where you left off the next time you load the same book.

TechCrunch

Remember, your home is the one place where you should have what makes you feel wonderful, because being surrounded by the right colors will change your life!

Huffington Post

"But you know what it's like in New York: you drop off the map and people forget very fast — especially when they couldn't even remember your name in the first place," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

If the altar appears too somber for your needs, add brightly colored scarves or other objects to make it a happier place to remember your friend.

WikiHow

Go back to basics - remember to place your napkin on your lap, keep your elbows off the table, keep your mouth closed while chewing and avoid talking while eating.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "remember your place", be mindful of the context and audience, as it can be perceived as condescending or dismissive. Consider alternative phrasing to convey respect and inclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "remember your place" in situations where it might be interpreted as an attempt to belittle or demean someone. Choose more constructive language to address concerns about behavior or boundaries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remember your place" primarily functions as an imperative, a direct command or instruction. This is supported by Ludwig AI, as the phrase is often used to admonish or remind someone of their position, role, or limitations in a social or professional context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remember your place" is a grammatically correct imperative phrase that is used to remind someone of their position, role, or limitations. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is more frequent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, showing its adaptability across various scenarios. Due to the potential for negative connotations, it’s advisable to be mindful when employing the expression and explore neutral alternatives such as "know your role" or "be mindful of your position".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

know your role

Focuses more directly on the function or part someone plays in a situation.

stay in your lane

Emphasizes avoiding interference or overstepping boundaries.

be mindful of your position

Highlights the importance of considering one's status or rank.

don't overstep your bounds

Warns against exceeding the limits of one's authority or influence.

keep your status in mind

Advises being aware of how your status influences your actions.

be aware of your limitations

Stresses the importance of recognizing what you are capable of.

understand your position

Similar to "know your role", emphasizes comprehension of one's duties and limitations.

be humble

Suggests a general attitude of modesty and awareness of one's relative importance.

don't get ahead of yourself

Implies a caution against excessive ambition or overconfidence.

keep your feet on the ground

Warns against losing touch with reality or becoming overly ambitious.

FAQs

How can "remember your place" be interpreted negatively?

The phrase can suggest a hierarchical power dynamic, implying that someone is overstepping their perceived social or professional boundaries. It might come off as condescending or dismissive, especially when directed at individuals in subordinate positions.

What are some alternatives to "remember your place" that sound less harsh?

Consider using alternatives like "know your role", "stay in your lane", or "be mindful of your position" to convey a similar message with greater tact and respect.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "remember your place"?

The phrase is most appropriate when giving advice, usually with someone you trust. The expression should be carefully considered for any possibility of misinterpretation or offense.

Is "remember your place" considered grammatically correct?

Yes, "remember your place" is grammatically sound. It functions as an imperative phrase, directly instructing someone to recall or acknowledge their position.