you probably remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you probably remember" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that the speaker believes the listener has knowledge of or familiarity with. Example: "You probably remember the last meeting we had where we discussed the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As you probably remember, the supercommittee failed.

The Washington Post

You probably remember that unpleasant episode.

The New York Times

You probably remember previous Open coverage from the magazine.

The New York Times

You probably remember the meteor explosion over Russia last February.

The New York Times

You probably remember it.'OfOf course I do.

The Guardian - Books

You probably remember the sound from your childhood.

The New York Times

But they are worth trying because you probably remember how ordinary shrimp dumplings taste.

The New York Times

You probably remember – I certainly do – how forcefully Ashya's father, Brett, argued his case.

Independent

You probably remember that my mother died of breast cancer the July before we started college.

The New York Times

You probably remember that I always had a thing for Russian broads.

The New Yorker

But you probably remember him as the one who proposed the theory of creative destruction.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "you probably remember" to gently remind your audience of a shared experience or knowledge, creating a connection and establishing common ground. This can be particularly effective when transitioning to a related point or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "you probably remember" excessively in formal writing, as it can come across as condescending or presumptuous. Opt for more neutral phrasing like "as previously mentioned" or "as you may recall" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you probably remember" functions as a discourse marker. It serves to cue the listener or reader to recall shared knowledge or experiences. Ludwig's examples show how the phrase introduces familiar topics, creating a connection between the speaker and audience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "you probably remember" is a common and generally accepted way to prompt recall of shared knowledge or experiences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in strictly professional or academic settings. The phrase functions as a discourse marker, serving to ease transitions and reinforce understanding by referencing pre-existing knowledge. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "as you may recall" or "you might remember" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you likely remember

Similar in tone, but suggests a higher probability of remembering.

as you may recall

Adds emphasis and acknowledges a potential lack of memory.

you might recall

Slightly more formal and less direct in prompting memory.

i'm sure you remember

Expresses a stronger belief that the listener remembers.

you may remember

More tentative and polite when referencing a past event.

you'll no doubt remember

Implies certainty that the listener has not forgotten.

do you recall

More direct as a question seeking confirmation of memory.

perhaps you recollect

More formal and emphasizes a conscious effort to remember.

i expect you remember

Expresses an expectation of memory.

it might ring a bell

Indirectly suggests a possibility of something seeming familiar.

FAQs

How can I use "you probably remember" in a sentence?

Use "you probably remember" to refer to something the listener or reader is likely already familiar with. For example, "You probably remember the news about the company merger last year."

What are some alternatives to "you probably remember"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "as you may recall", "you might remember", or "do you remember".

When is it appropriate to use "you probably remember"?

It's appropriate when you want to gently remind someone of something they likely already know, creating a sense of shared understanding. Avoid using it if you're unsure whether the person has the background knowledge.

Is "you probably remember" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "you probably remember" can sometimes be perceived as slightly informal. In very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "as previously mentioned" or "as you know".