Metkagram · Grammar choice · XPRCGR001

Remember doing vs remember to do: meaning and examples

How to choose: Does remember refer to a memory of an earlier action, or to not forgetting an action that needs to happen?

Core distinction

'Remember doing' looks backward: you have a memory of an action that happened. 'Remember to do' looks toward a required action: you make sure it is not forgotten.

First pattern

remember doing

memory of a completed or experienced action

Second pattern

remember to do

not forget to perform a required action

One contrast pattern, two meanings

EN: I remember [doing X], but I remembered to [do Y].

Example: I remember sending the draft, but I also remembered to notify the reviewers.

DE: Ich erinnere mich daran, [X getan zu haben], aber ich habe daran gedacht, [Y zu tun].