Remind vs Remember: keeping track of tasks
CEFR: B1
Read/Listen first
People often mix up remind and remember when planning daily tasks. We’ve all said things like, “I don’t remember my keys,” when we really mean we forgot to take them. If you want help, say, “Please remind me to bring my keys,” because someone else can prompt you. At work, we’re going to set calendar alerts so we remember recurring deadlines without stress. Before a meeting, it’s useful to remind colleagues to read the agenda. Yesterday I remembered to call the courier, but I forgot to attach the invoice, so I’ll resend it. When routines change, we’d better update our checklists, because small omissions become expensive mistakes. By the end of this week, try to remember three habits that make you more reliable, and ask a friend to remind you about one of them. It worked out well, and everyone agreed on the next steps.⚡ Learning goals
- Handle the target situation with natural, polite language
- Use the four grammar structures to explain and respond clearly
- Extract key details and ask follow‑up questions to clarify plans
✨ Key language
- Could we… “Could we book earlier to avoid queues?”
- I’m planning to… “I’m planning to confirm the order today.”
- Remember to / Remind me to “Remind me to bring the tickets.”
⚙️ Rules & Grammar — 4 Structures
1️⃣ Present perfect vs past simple
Rule: Mixing up finished past with present results — Use past simple for finished time, present perfect for impact now.Examples: We’ve already checked the schedule; We went last year; I have booked.
Common pitfall + fix: Mixing up finished past with present results — Use past simple for finished time, present perfect for impact now.
Choose the best option: We ____ the supplier last week.
Tip: Use past simple with finished time: last week.
Fill with the best answer: I ____ already ____ the tickets.
Tip: Use present perfect with already.
2️⃣ Comparatives for decisions
Rule: For two items, use comparative adjectives/adverbs — add than and correct endings.Examples: This ride is safer than that one; Queues were longer than expected; It’s quicker to pre‑book.
Common pitfall + fix: For two items, use comparative adjectives/adverbs — add than and correct endings.
Which is correct?
Tip: Use comparative: longer than.
Fill with the best answer: It’s ____ to arrive early.
Tip: Comparative form: better.
3️⃣ Should / had better for advice
Rule: Use should for general advice; had better for stronger, situation‑bound advice.Examples: You should wear the harness tight; We’d better check the costs; You shouldn’t skip safety briefings.
Common pitfall + fix: Use should for general advice; had better for stronger, situation‑bound advice.
Pick the best advice form: You ____ bring water on hot days.
Tip: Modal + base verb; should is general advice.
Fill with the best answer: We’d ____ double‑check the budget.
Tip: Had better + base verb.
4️⃣ Going to / present continuous for arrangements
Rule: Use present continuous for fixed arrangements; going to for planned intentions.Examples: We’re meeting the supplier tomorrow; I’m going to compare offers; They’re visiting the park on Friday.
Common pitfall + fix: Use present continuous for fixed arrangements; going to for planned intentions.
Which sentence shows an arrangement for tomorrow?
Tip: Present continuous shows a fixed plan.
Fill with the best answer: I’m ____ to review the order tonight.
Tip: Be going to + base verb.
✍️ Vocabulary
queue
Meaning: …Synonyms: line, wait, file, …
Chunk/Idiom: stand in a queue
Example: We joined the queue near the gate.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Say it out loud, then write a sentence with queue.
ticket office
Meaning: …Synonyms: booth, counter, …
Chunk/Idiom: buy a ticket
Example: Go to the ticket office first.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write 2 sentences using ticket office.
supplier
Meaning: …Synonyms: vendor, provider, …
Chunk/Idiom: key supplier
Example: Our supplier confirmed the order.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: List two suppliers you know.
budget
Meaning: …Synonyms: spending, costs, …
Chunk/Idiom: tight budget
Example: The budget is tighter this month.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: State one way to reduce a budget.
remind
Meaning: …Synonyms: prompt, nudge, …
Chunk/Idiom: remind someone to
Example: Please remind me to email them.
Morphology: verb
Self-practice: Write who you will remind and why.
harness
Meaning: …Synonyms: strap, safety belt, …
Chunk/Idiom: fasten the harness
Example: Fasten your harness before the ride.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Describe when a harness is used.
☁️ Examples (+ audio)
We booked earlier to avoid the long queues.
Our supplier confirmed the revised delivery date yesterday.
You should compare prices before placing the order.
We’re meeting at nine to finalise the plan.
✏️ Exercises
Grammar
Choose the correct form (present focus):
Tip: Present perfect links past to now.
Which word fits best?
Tip: Modal + base verb.
Fill with the best answer:
We had ____ arrive earlier.Tip: Had better + base verb.
Fill with the best answer:
We ____ the supplier at ten tomorrow.Tip: Present continuous for arrangements.
Vocabulary & Comprehension
Which word means planned spending?
Tip: Budget relates to money.
Choose the best synonym for line of people.
Tip: Queue = British English line.
Fill with the best answer:
Our main ____ confirmed delivery.Tip: A supplier provides goods.
Fill with the best answer:
Fasten your ____ before the ride.Tip: Harness is safety equipment.
✅ Guided practice
Mini-dialogue:
A: Could we book earlier to avoid the queues?B: Good idea. I’ll remind you to buy the tickets today.
A: Great. We’re meeting at nine tomorrow to finalise everything.
Why this matters:
Clear plans reduce stress. Shared language for timing, advice, and arrangements keeps everyone aligned.Verb & Adjective Pack:
avoid — Avoid long queues at peak time.confirm — Confirm the order before noon.
tight — We have a tight budget this month.
Try & compare:
Fill with the best answer: I’m ____ to compare prices tonight.
Tip: Be going to + base verb.
Self-correction: Fix the sentence: We must to arrive more early.
Tip: Modal should + base verb; earlier as comparative.
Practice aloud: Listen, repeat, then type the sentence.
Please remind me to bring the tickets.
Tip: Remind + object + to + verb.