Everyday English · Read, listen and speak
Giving a Friendly Reminder
Remind someone about an agreed action, check a detail and respond without assuming they have forgotten.
Your speaking goal
Give a brief, friendly reminder and confirm what someone needs to bring or do.
Before you start: Imagine preparing a photo display with a friend. Choose a small agreed action, such as bringing two printed photos.
Your six-step practice plan
- Understand: Read the goal and check the useful phrases.
- Listen or read: Follow both roles. Audio is optional.
- Repeat: Say one short line at a time, then join the words smoothly.
- Change details: Replace two details with imaginary ones.
- Role-play: Read the other person’s question, cover your reply and answer aloud. Then swap roles.
- Review: Use the “I can” checks below. Repeat any part that still needs help.
Work at your own pace. A clear message matters more than copying a particular accent.
Listen, read and notice
Roles: Asha and Ben
Browser-generated English voice; availability and sound vary by device. Use the written dialogue if audio is unavailable.
Asha: Hi, Ben. Just a reminder to bring two printed photos tomorrow.
Ben: Thanks for reminding me. I haven’t printed them yet.
Asha: No rush tonight. We need them for the display tomorrow morning.
Ben: Do they need to be in colour?
Asha: No, black and white is fine too.
Ben: And do I bring them to the main hall?
Asha: Yes, before we start setting up at ten.
Ben: Got it. I’ll put them in my bag after I print them.
Asha: Thanks. I’ll bring the labels.
Ben: Great. See you tomorrow.
Useful phrases and what they do
- Just a reminder to ___. — Briefly mention an action that was already agreed.
- Thanks for reminding me. — Acknowledge that the reminder is helpful.
- Do they need to be ___? — Check a requirement rather than guess.
- I’ll ___ after I ___. — Explain how you will complete the action.
Say it clearly
Use an even, friendly tone in ‘Just a reminder’. Stress the useful details: ‘TWO PRINTED PHOTOS / TOMORROW’. In ‘remind’, stress the second syllable: re-MIND.
Build your own replies
Just a reminder to ___ tomorrow. → Thanks for reminding me. I’ll ___.
Ask and check
Do you mean printed copies or photos on my phone? → Printed copies for the display, please.
Common mistakes and alternatives
‘Remember’ describes keeping something in your own mind; ‘remind someone’ means help another person remember. Say ‘Thanks for reminding me’, not ‘Thanks for remembering me’ for this meaning. A reminder does not prove someone forgot. ‘I’ve already done it, thanks’ can be a natural reply. Keep the tone friendly; the word ‘just’ does not automatically make an accusation polite.
Check what you understood
Answer aloud before revealing each explanation. Natural replies with the same meaning also count.
Question 1
Does Ben need to bring digital photos on a phone or printed photos?
Show answer 1 and explanation
Printed photos: two copies for the display. Asking which format is needed would be a useful clarification.
Question 2
Must the photos be in colour?
Show answer 2 and explanation
No. Black-and-white photos are also acceptable in this example. ‘Colour’ and ‘color’ are British and American spellings.
Question 3
Give a natural response if you have already completed the action.
Show answer 3 and explanation
‘I’ve already done it, thanks for checking’ works. ‘They’re ready in my bag, thanks’ also fits this situation. You do not have to pretend you forgot.
Your turn: make it a real exchange
Practise alone: read the other person’s line, cover your reply and answer aloud. Then swap roles. No partner is needed.
Role A
Remind a friend about one previously agreed action. State the important detail and answer a clarification question.
Role B
Thank the person, check one detail and say what you will do. If the action is already complete, say so politely.
Make it easier: Keep the model visible and change one detail at a time.
Add a challenge: The other person remembers a different deadline. Compare what you each understood and check the original arrangement before confirming the time.
Ready to move on?
Try again with less reading. Use these checks and repeat any part that needs more practice.
- I can give a brief reminder without blaming someone.
- I can check a requirement in the reminder.
- I can acknowledge the reminder or say the action is complete.