All Ears English Podcast – Episode 2582 Did You Remember It or Memorize It?
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Date: March 16, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Lindsay and Michelle break down the crucial difference between the verbs “memorize” and “remember,” two words that are commonly confused by English learners. The hosts explore practical examples, fun stories, and grammar tips to help listeners master these essential words for speaking like a native. Their natural, conversational approach delivers ESL learning strategies with a focus on real-life application and memorable insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Anecdotes: The Everyday Struggle to Remember

• Both hosts open up about their efforts to keep track of birthdays and important dates, debating tech versus good old-fashioned memory.
  • “I decided to recommit to remembering friends' birthdays… the app offloaded and I lost all the birthdays. Well, so now I just have to go back. It's better just have it in the old noggin.” — Lindsay (02:21)

2. Defining “Memorize”

• Memorize means intentionally learning something by heart, usually for a test or performance.
  • “Memorize is about learning something by heart. We always say this expression: learn it by heart.” — Lindsay (04:53)
• Examples include memorizing lines for theater, phone numbers, and historical dates.
• Memorization often involves deliberate techniques, like chunking information or writing things down.
  • “I would learn it, and then I would write it down. I felt that writing it down kind of solidified it in my mind.” — Michelle (06:51)

3. Defining “Remember”

• Remember means being able to recall something at a specific moment. It’s the result of earlier learning or simply what is naturally stored in memory through experience.
  • “To remember is to actually have that information in your head or the moment something.” — Michelle (08:49)
• Not everything you remember was consciously memorized (e.g., your grandmother’s face, childhood memories).

4. Contrasts and Overlaps

• Memorize is a process; remember is the result.
  • “If you memorize something, then you remember it.” — Michelle (10:37)
• Memorize often applies to word-for-word retention; remember covers both facts learned intentionally and memories from experience.
  • “Not everything that is remembered is always memorized. Like, I remember my grandmother’s face, but I didn’t memorize her face.” — Lindsay (10:41)

5. Contextual Usage: Practical Examples

• Role Play Example: Roommates prepping for a trip
  • “Did you remember to turn off the sink upstairs?” (used for checking)
  • “I memorized our hotel’s address, so don’t worry about that.” (used for intentional learning)
    (17:26–17:45)
• Lyrics and Music: You can remember lyrics easily even if you never intentionally memorized them — a perfect example of incidental memory.

6. Grammar Tips for “Remember” and “Memorize”

• Remember:
  • “Remember to + verb” (for reminders to do something)
    • “Remember to buy milk at the store.” (15:01)
  • “Remember + verb-ing” (for recalling past experiences)
    • “I remember watching that show every day after school.” (15:36)
• Memorize:
  • Memorize is generally followed by a noun (not verb-ing)
    • “She memorized all the words to the monologue.” (16:19)
  • You don’t “memorize” experiences.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the difference between “memorize” and “remember”:
  • “Memorize is a process, but it’s also more word for word, like number for number. Whereas, remember… is to actually have that information in your head or the moment something.” — Lindsay & Michelle (08:35–08:58)
• On music and memory:
  • “What you remember most is song lyrics from, like, songs from teenagehood, teenager years or childhood… how do I know all the words? But I don’t know what I did yesterday!” — Michelle (20:14)
  • “So it’s a good reason to try to learn English with songs with lyrics.” — Lindsay (20:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:29–02:56 | Birthday memory struggles, tech apps vs. natural recall | | 04:34–05:37 | Defining and discussing “memorize” | | 06:20–07:38 | Phone numbers and memorization – past and present | | 08:35–10:37 | Contrasting “memorize” and “remember”; example sentences | | 14:33–17:11 | Grammar focus: how to use “remember” and “memorize” | | 17:18–19:25 | Role play: practical usage in daily situation | | 20:14–20:52 | Music, lyrics, and the power of incidental memory |

Key Takeaways

• Remember = ability to recall; can come from past experiences, not just from memorization.
• Memorize = deliberate process of learning information for later recall, often word-for-word.
• Use “remember to + verb” for reminders, “remember + verb-ing” for recollections.
• Use “memorize + noun” for facts, information, data, or lines.
• Emotional memories stick without conscious memorization—like weddings or music lyrics.
• Memorization is technical and intentional; remembering can be both intentional and incidental.

Episode Recommendation

• Check out Episode 2571: “Don’t Let English Vocabulary Break Down On You” (21:02)

Final Thoughts

The hosts encourage listeners to focus on the distinction between process (memorize) and outcome (remember). Michelle’s tip: “If you’re going to remember one thing, I would say think of memorize being more of that process.” (21:22)

This episode is a must-listen for ESL students looking to refine their command of nuanced vocabulary and boost their confidence in naturally using American English.