to remind oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to remind oneself" is a perfectly valid and acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are urging someone (or yourself) to remember something that they may have otherwise forgotten. For example, "Don't forget to pack your toothbrush; remind yourself to do it before you leave the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Still, it's sometimes good to remind oneself of the fact that upon Greene's own book shelves Henry James reigned.

The Guardian - Books

In the digital era, one has to remind oneself of the formidable practicalities such a publishing project posed.

The Guardian

It's scary, but it's good to remind oneself that we're only talking about a relatively small amount of people.

The Guardian - Film

WHEN occasion permits, it is salutary to remind oneself how the conduct of business and leisure has changed since the advent of the internet.

The Economist

Similarly, at Tricky's sold-out show on Monday night at Irving Plaza, one often had to remind oneself that it was a Tricky concert.

The New York Times - Arts

At this stage, after three goals in 11 minutes and the stadium exploding with noise, it was necessary to remind oneself to breathe.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

His modelling and casting skills, coupled with his ability to render the body with such exactitude that one must constantly remind oneself that his figures are made from inert, plastic material rather than living flesh, make these works arresting enough, but there is also something unpleasantly voyeuristic about them.

The Guardian

One need only remind oneself of the reason Mr Obama delayed enforcing the mandate: damage control.

The Economist

Or should one remind oneself of legitimate grievances (Kashmir, Gujarat, Islamophobia, and so on) which these extremists highlight (rationalising mode)?

The Guardian - Opinion

" 'how do you like your blueeyed boy / Mister Death,' " my father growled, his eyes wet with tears.It's with a sense of relief, therefore, that one may remind oneself that Cummings, like Ez Po and Possum, was something more than an anti-Semite.

The New Yorker

(I've yet to take advantage of the Lists feature, which seems more for reminding oneself to read an article or watch a video at some unspecified future time).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to remind oneself" when you want to emphasize the act of internally prompting your own memory or awareness, especially when providing a reason or purpose for doing so.

Common error

Be mindful not to overuse reflexive pronouns like "oneself" in writing. While "to remind oneself" is grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound stilted. Consider if a simpler phrasing would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

"To remind oneself" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier of purpose. It explains the reason why someone is doing something, relating to memory or awareness. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, illustrating its role in prompting internal reflection and consideration. The examples are aligned with Ludwig AI's response about the expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Huffington Post

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to remind oneself" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the purpose of recalling or maintaining awareness. Ludwig examples show that it is most commonly found in news and media sources, with neutral register suitable for various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. Related phrases include "to prompt oneself" and "to jog one's memory". When using this phrase, emphasize internal reflection and ensure that reflexive pronouns aren't overused. By considering the nuances of "to remind oneself", writers can effectively and appropriately express the act of prompting their own memory or awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to prompt oneself

Replaces 'remind' with 'prompt', suggesting a more active form of self-encouragement.

to jog one's memory

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of stimulating recall.

to remember for oneself

Emphasizes the act of recalling information personally.

to keep in mind

Focuses on maintaining awareness of something.

to take note of

Highlights the act of paying attention and recording mentally.

to bear in mind

Stresses the importance of continuous awareness.

to self-cue

Implies the use of a signal to trigger a memory.

to make a mental note

Highlights the creation of an internal reminder.

to call to mind

Uses a more literary expression for recalling something.

to reflect upon

Suggests a deeper consideration and recall of past events.

FAQs

How can I use "to remind oneself" in a sentence?

You can use "to remind oneself" to introduce a reason or purpose for remembering something. For example, "It's important "to remind oneself" of past successes to maintain motivation".

What's a more formal alternative to "to remind oneself"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider using "to recall to mind" or "to bring to one's own attention" as alternatives to "to remind oneself".

Is it ever incorrect to use "to remind oneself"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "to remind oneself" can sound repetitive. Ensure that the reflexive pronoun is necessary and that a simpler phrasing isn't more appropriate for clarity and flow.

Which is better, "to remind oneself" or "to remember"?

"To remember" is a more general term for recalling information. "To remind oneself" specifically implies an action taken to trigger that memory, often with a purpose in mind.