Mnemonics are strategies or techniques for effective memorization. They are used toimprove memoryand are often taught in school to help students learn and recall information.You can use mnemonic strategies to remember names, number sequences, medical protocols, and even a grocery list. People learn in different ways. Tools that work for one person may not be helpful for another. Fortunately, there are several ways to use mnemonics.Some of the most common mnemonics include:Chunking a social security number in shorter blocks that are easier to rememberUsing “ROY G BIV” as an acronym for the colors of the rainbowSetting the ABCs to music as children learn the alphabetMaking a rhyme like “i” before “e” except after “c” to remember spelling
Mnemonics are strategies or techniques for effective memorization. They are used toimprove memoryand are often taught in school to help students learn and recall information.
You can use mnemonic strategies to remember names, number sequences, medical protocols, and even a grocery list. People learn in different ways. Tools that work for one person may not be helpful for another. Fortunately, there are several ways to use mnemonics.
Some of the most common mnemonics include:
1Keyword MnemonicsBrand New Images Stone / Getty ImagesStudying a second language? Usingkeyword mnemonicsimproves learning and recall, especially in the area of foreign language.Here’s how the keyword method works:First, choose a keyword that somehow cues you to think of the foreign word.Then, imagine that keyword connected with the meaning of the word you’re trying to learn.The visualization and association should trigger the recall of the correct word.For example, if you’re trying to learn the Spanish word for cat, which isgato,first think of a gate and then imagine the cat sitting on top of the gate. Even though the “a” sound ingatois short and the “a” sound ingateis long, the beginnings are similar enough to help you remember the association between gate and cat and to recall the meaning ofgato.
1
Keyword MnemonicsBrand New Images Stone / Getty ImagesStudying a second language? Usingkeyword mnemonicsimproves learning and recall, especially in the area of foreign language.Here’s how the keyword method works:First, choose a keyword that somehow cues you to think of the foreign word.Then, imagine that keyword connected with the meaning of the word you’re trying to learn.The visualization and association should trigger the recall of the correct word.For example, if you’re trying to learn the Spanish word for cat, which isgato,first think of a gate and then imagine the cat sitting on top of the gate. Even though the “a” sound ingatois short and the “a” sound ingateis long, the beginnings are similar enough to help you remember the association between gate and cat and to recall the meaning ofgato.
Keyword Mnemonics
Brand New Images Stone / Getty Images
Studying a second language? Usingkeyword mnemonicsimproves learning and recall, especially in the area of foreign language.
Here’s how the keyword method works:
For example, if you’re trying to learn the Spanish word for cat, which isgato,first think of a gate and then imagine the cat sitting on top of the gate. Even though the “a” sound ingatois short and the “a” sound ingateis long, the beginnings are similar enough to help you remember the association between gate and cat and to recall the meaning ofgato.
2
Chunking as a Mnemonic Strategy
Marcus Lindström E+ / Getty Images
For example, memorizing the following number: 47895328463 will likely take a fair amount of effort. However, if it is chunked like 4789 532 8463, it becomes easier to remember.
Interestingly, chunking is one of the language-processing symptoms associated withcognitive impairment.People tend to speak in shorter “chunks.” There is interest in how mnemonics can help with verbalworking memoryin these people.
3Musical MnemonicsJGI / Jamie Grill Blend Images / Getty ImagesOne way to successfully encode the information into your brain is to usemusic. A well-known example is the “A-B-C” song, but there’s no end to what you can learn when it’s set to music. You can learn the names of the countries of Africa, science cycles, memory verses, or math equations.You’ll find that there are some songs online already created specifically to help teach certain information; for others, you’ll have to make up your own. And you don’t have to be able to carry a tune or write the music out correctly for this mnemonic method to work.Music can also be a helpful memory tool for people diagnosed with dementia.Studies suggest music therapy can improve cognition and quality of life, though more research is needed to confirm the benefits.
3
Musical MnemonicsJGI / Jamie Grill Blend Images / Getty ImagesOne way to successfully encode the information into your brain is to usemusic. A well-known example is the “A-B-C” song, but there’s no end to what you can learn when it’s set to music. You can learn the names of the countries of Africa, science cycles, memory verses, or math equations.You’ll find that there are some songs online already created specifically to help teach certain information; for others, you’ll have to make up your own. And you don’t have to be able to carry a tune or write the music out correctly for this mnemonic method to work.Music can also be a helpful memory tool for people diagnosed with dementia.Studies suggest music therapy can improve cognition and quality of life, though more research is needed to confirm the benefits.
Musical Mnemonics
JGI / Jamie Grill Blend Images / Getty Images
One way to successfully encode the information into your brain is to usemusic. A well-known example is the “A-B-C” song, but there’s no end to what you can learn when it’s set to music. You can learn the names of the countries of Africa, science cycles, memory verses, or math equations.
You’ll find that there are some songs online already created specifically to help teach certain information; for others, you’ll have to make up your own. And you don’t have to be able to carry a tune or write the music out correctly for this mnemonic method to work.
Music can also be a helpful memory tool for people diagnosed with dementia.Studies suggest music therapy can improve cognition and quality of life, though more research is needed to confirm the benefits.
4Acronyms and AcrosticsPeter Stark / Getty ImagesAcronyms and acrostics are typically the most familiar type of mnemonic strategies.Acronymsuse a simple formula of a letter to represent each word or phrase that needs to be remembered. If you’re trying to memorize four different types of dementia, you might use the acronym FLAV, to represent:FrontotemporalLewy bodyAlzheimer’sVascularYou can use acronyms to remember grocery list items and more.Who Is ROY G BIV?ROY G BIV is not a person. It’s an acronym used as a mnemonic device to remember the order of the colors in a rainbow or prism: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.Many commonly used words are acronyms:NBA (National Basketball Association)LOL (Laugh Out Loud)SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging)RADAR (radio detection and ranging)Anacrosticuses the same concept as the acronym except that instead of forming a new “word,” it generates a sentence that helps you remember the information.An often-used acrostic in math class is: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. This acrostic mnemonic represents the order of operations in algebra and stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.“Every Good Boy Does Fine” is another common acrostic that represents the treble clef lines in music (E, G, B, D, F).What Is the Mnemonic for the Planets?The eight planets in order in the solar system—Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune—can be remembered with a few different mnemonics:My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us NoodlesMy Very Excellent Mother Just Sent Us NachosBefore 2006, Pluto was the ninth planet in the solar system. (It has since been downgraded to a dwarf planet.) A common mnemonic used to remember the solar system was:My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas
4
Acronyms and AcrosticsPeter Stark / Getty ImagesAcronyms and acrostics are typically the most familiar type of mnemonic strategies.Acronymsuse a simple formula of a letter to represent each word or phrase that needs to be remembered. If you’re trying to memorize four different types of dementia, you might use the acronym FLAV, to represent:FrontotemporalLewy bodyAlzheimer’sVascularYou can use acronyms to remember grocery list items and more.Who Is ROY G BIV?ROY G BIV is not a person. It’s an acronym used as a mnemonic device to remember the order of the colors in a rainbow or prism: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.Many commonly used words are acronyms:NBA (National Basketball Association)LOL (Laugh Out Loud)SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging)RADAR (radio detection and ranging)Anacrosticuses the same concept as the acronym except that instead of forming a new “word,” it generates a sentence that helps you remember the information.An often-used acrostic in math class is: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. This acrostic mnemonic represents the order of operations in algebra and stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.“Every Good Boy Does Fine” is another common acrostic that represents the treble clef lines in music (E, G, B, D, F).What Is the Mnemonic for the Planets?The eight planets in order in the solar system—Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune—can be remembered with a few different mnemonics:My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us NoodlesMy Very Excellent Mother Just Sent Us NachosBefore 2006, Pluto was the ninth planet in the solar system. (It has since been downgraded to a dwarf planet.) A common mnemonic used to remember the solar system was:My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas
Acronyms and Acrostics
Peter Stark / Getty Images
Acronyms and acrostics are typically the most familiar type of mnemonic strategies.
Acronymsuse a simple formula of a letter to represent each word or phrase that needs to be remembered. If you’re trying to memorize four different types of dementia, you might use the acronym FLAV, to represent:
You can use acronyms to remember grocery list items and more.
Who Is ROY G BIV?ROY G BIV is not a person. It’s an acronym used as a mnemonic device to remember the order of the colors in a rainbow or prism: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Who Is ROY G BIV?
ROY G BIV is not a person. It’s an acronym used as a mnemonic device to remember the order of the colors in a rainbow or prism: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Many commonly used words are acronyms:
Anacrosticuses the same concept as the acronym except that instead of forming a new “word,” it generates a sentence that helps you remember the information.
An often-used acrostic in math class is: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. This acrostic mnemonic represents the order of operations in algebra and stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
“Every Good Boy Does Fine” is another common acrostic that represents the treble clef lines in music (E, G, B, D, F).
What Is the Mnemonic for the Planets?The eight planets in order in the solar system—Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune—can be remembered with a few different mnemonics:My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us NoodlesMy Very Excellent Mother Just Sent Us NachosBefore 2006, Pluto was the ninth planet in the solar system. (It has since been downgraded to a dwarf planet.) A common mnemonic used to remember the solar system was:My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas
What Is the Mnemonic for the Planets?
The eight planets in order in the solar system—Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune—can be remembered with a few different mnemonics:My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us NoodlesMy Very Excellent Mother Just Sent Us NachosBefore 2006, Pluto was the ninth planet in the solar system. (It has since been downgraded to a dwarf planet.) A common mnemonic used to remember the solar system was:My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas
The eight planets in order in the solar system—Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune—can be remembered with a few different mnemonics:
Before 2006, Pluto was the ninth planet in the solar system. (It has since been downgraded to a dwarf planet.) A common mnemonic used to remember the solar system was:
5Rhymes as Mnemonic StrategiesVenki Talath Illustration Works / Getty Images“Hey diddle diddle. The cat and the fiddle…” Can you finish the rest of this nursery rhyme?The ability to memorize and remember nursery rhymes is often due in part to repetition and in part to rhyming. Rhyming words can be used as a mnemonic to help us learn and recall information.Take the familiar spelling rule: “i” before “e,” except after “c,” or in sounding like “ay” as in “neighbor” or “weigh.” This phrase sticks in our memories because we’ve heard it multiple times but also because of the rhyming within it.The same is true of sayings such as “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November,” to remember the months of the year with only 30 days in them.
5
Rhymes as Mnemonic StrategiesVenki Talath Illustration Works / Getty Images“Hey diddle diddle. The cat and the fiddle…” Can you finish the rest of this nursery rhyme?The ability to memorize and remember nursery rhymes is often due in part to repetition and in part to rhyming. Rhyming words can be used as a mnemonic to help us learn and recall information.Take the familiar spelling rule: “i” before “e,” except after “c,” or in sounding like “ay” as in “neighbor” or “weigh.” This phrase sticks in our memories because we’ve heard it multiple times but also because of the rhyming within it.The same is true of sayings such as “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November,” to remember the months of the year with only 30 days in them.
Rhymes as Mnemonic Strategies
Venki Talath Illustration Works / Getty Images
“Hey diddle diddle. The cat and the fiddle…” Can you finish the rest of this nursery rhyme?
The ability to memorize and remember nursery rhymes is often due in part to repetition and in part to rhyming. Rhyming words can be used as a mnemonic to help us learn and recall information.
Take the familiar spelling rule: “i” before “e,” except after “c,” or in sounding like “ay” as in “neighbor” or “weigh.” This phrase sticks in our memories because we’ve heard it multiple times but also because of the rhyming within it.
The same is true of sayings such as “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November,” to remember the months of the year with only 30 days in them.
6Making Connections as a Mnemonic MethodImage Source / Getty ImagesOne mnemonic strategy that helps encode new information is to connect it with something else that you already are familiar with or know. This gives it meaning and makes it easier to remember. Making connections is a type ofelaborative rehearsaland can be applied to almost any subject or type of information.A 2015 study found that rehearsing details in video clips right after watching them improved information recall weeks later.These types of connections can boost memory when learning new names, work tasks, and other information.
6
Making Connections as a Mnemonic MethodImage Source / Getty ImagesOne mnemonic strategy that helps encode new information is to connect it with something else that you already are familiar with or know. This gives it meaning and makes it easier to remember. Making connections is a type ofelaborative rehearsaland can be applied to almost any subject or type of information.A 2015 study found that rehearsing details in video clips right after watching them improved information recall weeks later.These types of connections can boost memory when learning new names, work tasks, and other information.
Making Connections as a Mnemonic Method
Image Source / Getty Images
One mnemonic strategy that helps encode new information is to connect it with something else that you already are familiar with or know. This gives it meaning and makes it easier to remember. Making connections is a type ofelaborative rehearsaland can be applied to almost any subject or type of information.
A 2015 study found that rehearsing details in video clips right after watching them improved information recall weeks later.These types of connections can boost memory when learning new names, work tasks, and other information.
7
Method of Loci Mnemonic Strategy
Massimiliano Alessandro / EyeEm / Getty Images
It’s also one of the most researched mnemonics, demonstrating strong success across a wide spectrum of academic subjects and life situations.
Here’s how it works:
This method is also called the journey method, creating a “memory palace” or the mental walk strategy. Taking the example of a grocery list, you would visualize the locations and objects, and then see yourself shopping through the store shelves.
Research shows significant improvements when the method of loci is used. Some studies explore benefits in helping people with specific attention and memory challenges, like those diagnosed withattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
8Peg Method MnemonicsLinda Steward E+ / Getty ImagesThe peg method is an especially useful mnemonic for remembering sequenced information. If first requires that you memorize the following list in help you order the facts:one = buntwo = shoethree= treefour = doorfive = hivesix = sticksseven = heaveneight = gatenine = vineten = henAfter memorizing this list, look over the new information that you are trying to learn. Then, connect the first word to “bun,” the second word to “shoe,” the third word to “tree,” etc. The goal is to make a memorable connection with each new piece of information you need to memorize.For example, imagine you need to learn the scientific classification system: Kingdom; Phylum or Division; Class; Order; Family; Genus; Species. Using the peg system, you’ll first think of a kingdom placed on a hamburger bun. Then, you’ll imagine the mathematical division sign inside a shoe. Next, you’ll picture a classroom perched on a tree branch. And so on.This method allows you to recall both the specific piece of information and the correct order in which it needs to be placed.
8
Peg Method MnemonicsLinda Steward E+ / Getty ImagesThe peg method is an especially useful mnemonic for remembering sequenced information. If first requires that you memorize the following list in help you order the facts:one = buntwo = shoethree= treefour = doorfive = hivesix = sticksseven = heaveneight = gatenine = vineten = henAfter memorizing this list, look over the new information that you are trying to learn. Then, connect the first word to “bun,” the second word to “shoe,” the third word to “tree,” etc. The goal is to make a memorable connection with each new piece of information you need to memorize.For example, imagine you need to learn the scientific classification system: Kingdom; Phylum or Division; Class; Order; Family; Genus; Species. Using the peg system, you’ll first think of a kingdom placed on a hamburger bun. Then, you’ll imagine the mathematical division sign inside a shoe. Next, you’ll picture a classroom perched on a tree branch. And so on.This method allows you to recall both the specific piece of information and the correct order in which it needs to be placed.
Peg Method Mnemonics
Linda Steward E+ / Getty Images
The peg method is an especially useful mnemonic for remembering sequenced information. If first requires that you memorize the following list in help you order the facts:
After memorizing this list, look over the new information that you are trying to learn. Then, connect the first word to “bun,” the second word to “shoe,” the third word to “tree,” etc. The goal is to make a memorable connection with each new piece of information you need to memorize.
For example, imagine you need to learn the scientific classification system: Kingdom; Phylum or Division; Class; Order; Family; Genus; Species. Using the peg system, you’ll first think of a kingdom placed on a hamburger bun. Then, you’ll imagine the mathematical division sign inside a shoe. Next, you’ll picture a classroom perched on a tree branch. And so on.
This method allows you to recall both the specific piece of information and the correct order in which it needs to be placed.
9The Mnemonic Linking System (Stories or Images)Jeffrey Coolidge Stone / Getty ImagesThe mnemonic linking method (also called “chaining”) consists of developing a story or image that connects together pieces of information you need to remember. Each item leads you to recall the next item.For example, imagine that you need to remember to bring the following things with you to school in the morning: homework papers, glasses, gym shoes, wallet, lunch money, and keys.Using the linking system, you can make up a sentence or short story to help you remember. An example: Jack’s homework papers put on their glasses and gym shoes and ran over to his wallet where his hungry keys were eating his lunch money.If you add interesting personal details or humor, it often makes the information easier to remember.
9
The Mnemonic Linking System (Stories or Images)Jeffrey Coolidge Stone / Getty ImagesThe mnemonic linking method (also called “chaining”) consists of developing a story or image that connects together pieces of information you need to remember. Each item leads you to recall the next item.For example, imagine that you need to remember to bring the following things with you to school in the morning: homework papers, glasses, gym shoes, wallet, lunch money, and keys.Using the linking system, you can make up a sentence or short story to help you remember. An example: Jack’s homework papers put on their glasses and gym shoes and ran over to his wallet where his hungry keys were eating his lunch money.If you add interesting personal details or humor, it often makes the information easier to remember.
The Mnemonic Linking System (Stories or Images)
Jeffrey Coolidge Stone / Getty Images
The mnemonic linking method (also called “chaining”) consists of developing a story or image that connects together pieces of information you need to remember. Each item leads you to recall the next item.
For example, imagine that you need to remember to bring the following things with you to school in the morning: homework papers, glasses, gym shoes, wallet, lunch money, and keys.
Using the linking system, you can make up a sentence or short story to help you remember. An example: Jack’s homework papers put on their glasses and gym shoes and ran over to his wallet where his hungry keys were eating his lunch money.
If you add interesting personal details or humor, it often makes the information easier to remember.
How Do Mnemonic Devices Help With Memorization?Mnemonic devices help to make it easier to share information as well as remember information.For example, healthcare providers working in patient safety have to quickly pass on clinical data to their colleagues and patient caregivers. One study identified 42 mnemonic devices with 238 different elements for this purpose.Many of the same tools work for people studying, working, or remembering the new neighbor’s name. Keep in mind, though, that what you forget (and why) may be as important as what you remember. Emotion plays an important role in memory retrieval (especially negative emotion) and so cananxietyordepression.SummaryMnemonic memory strategies are techniques that can give you ways to better memorize names, dates, and other information. They can improve your efficiency in learning.Practice a few of these strategies to learn which ones come easiest to you. Once you have them down, they should clearly benefit your learning and recall of information.
How Do Mnemonic Devices Help With Memorization?
Mnemonic devices help to make it easier to share information as well as remember information.
For example, healthcare providers working in patient safety have to quickly pass on clinical data to their colleagues and patient caregivers. One study identified 42 mnemonic devices with 238 different elements for this purpose.
Many of the same tools work for people studying, working, or remembering the new neighbor’s name. Keep in mind, though, that what you forget (and why) may be as important as what you remember. Emotion plays an important role in memory retrieval (especially negative emotion) and so cananxietyordepression.
Summary
Mnemonic memory strategies are techniques that can give you ways to better memorize names, dates, and other information. They can improve your efficiency in learning.
Practice a few of these strategies to learn which ones come easiest to you. Once you have them down, they should clearly benefit your learning and recall of information.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Dikmans ME, van den Broek GSE, Klatter-Folmer J.Effects of repeated retrieval on keyword mediator use: shifting to direct retrieval predicts better learning outcomes.Memory. 2020;28(7):908-917. doi:10.1080/09658211.2020.1797094
Lin TH, Liao YC, Tam KW, Chan L, Hsu TH.Effects of music therapy on cognition, quality of life, and neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Psychiatry Res. 2023;329:115498. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115498
Bird CM, Keidel JL, Ing LP, Horner AJ, Burgess N.Consolidation of complex events via reinstatement in posterior cingulate cortex.J Neurosci. 2015;35(43):14426-34. doi:10.1523/NEUROSCI.1774-15.2015
University of Texas Liberal Arts Instructional Technology Services.Cicero de Oratore.
Ruchkin V, Wallonius M, Odekvist E, Kim S, Isaksson J.Memory training with the method of loci for children and adolescents with ADHD-A feasibility study.Appl Neuropsychol Child. 2024;13(2):137-145. doi:10.1080/21622965.2022.2141120
American Psychological Association.Peg-word mnemonic system.
Sacks-Zimmerman AL, Lerma VC.Mnemonic techniques. 2018. In: Kreutzer JS, DeLuca J, Caplan B (eds)Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology.Springer, Cham. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1095
Yung AHW, Pak CS, Watson B.A scoping review of clinical handover mnemonic devices.Int J Qual Health Care. 2023;35(3):mzad065. doi:10.1093/intqhc/mzad065
Reeck C, LaBar KS.Retrieval-induced forgetting of emotional memories.Cogn Emot. 2024;38(1):131-147. doi:10.1080/02699931.2023.2279156
Bucks County Community College.Mnemonics- Memory Techniques.Teaching of Psychology. April 2015 vol. 42 no. 2 169-173.Location, Location, Location! Demonstrating the Mnemonic Benefit of the Method of Loci.
Bucks County Community College.Mnemonics- Memory Techniques.
Teaching of Psychology. April 2015 vol. 42 no. 2 169-173.Location, Location, Location! Demonstrating the Mnemonic Benefit of the Method of Loci.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
