Learnt vs Learned

Learnt and learned are different spellings of the same word. Both words are used to convey the past tense and past participle of the verb learn.

The choice between these two spellings often depends on regional differences in English usage.

What does the word learn mean?

The word learn is a verb that refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, information, skills, or understanding about a subject or topic. It involves the absorption and comprehension of new information or the development of new abilities through study, practice, or experience.

When is learned used?

In American English, learned is the preferred spelling for both the past tense and past participle of learn.

Example

I learned a lot from that book.

More example sentences

He learned a valuable lesson about honesty and integrity.
The scientist's research findings were widely discussed in the learned community.
She has learned a lot from her experiences traveling around the world.
The students learned about the importance of teamwork in their project.
I've learned that patience is a virtue that can lead to greater success in life.
She learned to play the piano by taking lessons from a renowned pianist.
After years of dedication, he finally learned how to speak fluent Mandarin.
The young scientist learned from her mistakes in the lab and improved her experimental techniques.
Through travel and exposure to different cultures, he learned to appreciate the diversity of the world.
The children learned valuable life lessons about teamwork and cooperation while working on the school project together.

When is learnt used?

In British English and some other varieties of English, learnt is commonly used as the past tense and past participle form of the word.

Example

I learnt a new skill yesterday.

More example sentences

I learnt how to ride a bicycle when I was five years old.
She quickly learnt the rules of the game and became a skilled player.
Have you ever learnt a foreign language from scratch?
They learnt about ancient history during their visit to the museum.
He finally learnt from his mistakes and vowed not to repeat them.
She learnt to ride a bicycle when she was just five years old.
I learnt a lot about history from reading that book.
He learnt valuable skills during his apprenticeship as a carpenter.
We learnt from our mistakes and made improvements to the project.
The students quickly learnt the importance of time management in their demanding coursework.

Is there a difference between learnt and learned?

It's important to note that there is no difference in meaning between learnt and learned. The choice between them is primarily a matter of regional preference. When writing or speaking in English, it's a good idea to be consistent with the spelling you choose, based on the variety of English you are using or your personal preference.

Common idioms/phrases

A lesson learned: Refers to knowledge or wisdom gained from past experiences, often implying that the lesson was learned the hard way.
The learned (or learned scholars): This phrase refers to individuals who are highly educated or have extensive knowledge in a particular field, such as "the learned professors."
The learned book: Describes a book that contains a wealth of knowledge or academic information.
The learned counsel: Refers to a highly skilled and knowledgeable lawyer or attorney.
Learning curve: This expression indicates the rate at which someone acquires new knowledge or skills, often referring to the initial challenges and improvements made over time.
Learning experience: Describes an event or situation that provides an opportunity to gain knowledge or acquire new skills.
Never too old to learn: This phrase emphasizes that learning is a lifelong process, and age should not be a barrier to acquiring new knowledge.
Learned behavior: Refers to actions or reactions that are acquired through experience and education.
Learning the ropes: Means acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to perform a particular task or job.
Learning the hard way: Describes the process of gaining knowledge or understanding through personal experience, often involving difficulties or mistakes.

These idiomatic phrases and expressions use "learned" or "learnt" to convey various aspects of acquiring knowledge or expertise in different contexts.

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