Remember vs Recall
Remember and recall are words in the English language that are very similar in meaning. Some people think that the two words are synonymous and use them interchangeably. However, the words are not the same, and you should not use them interchangeably. This article aims to highlight the differences between remember and recall, to help readers use these words according to the context.
Remember
Both remember and recall are terms that require an individual to recollect or call to his memory. If you remember a person, it means you have not forgotten them and have them in your memory. It simply refers to the fact that you have retained the information in your mind or brain. Take a look at the following examples:
• Do you remember me?
• I remember that I visited the place when I came here with my wife on our honeymoon
• Please remember to call the doctor
Recall
Recall is a term that refers to the fact of retrieval. When you recall, you suddenly remember a fact and go on to tell others about it. The event, fact, or any other information that is recalled is already stored inside the brain; the word merely reflects the fact of retrieval. Take a look at the following examples:
• As far as I can recall, I have never been to this place
• I recall you being the captain of the college team in the year 1983
• The product was recalled by the company
• He was recalled in the national team
Key Takeaways
- Remember and recall are both associated with the act of recollecting information from the brain, but they are not interchangeable.
- Remember is used in situations where the information is already there and refers to the fact that the act or information has not been forgotten.
- Recall refers to the act of retrieval from the brain for information that is already there.