Learned vs Learnt
Difference, Examples & Quiz
What's the difference? Which one is correct?
Definition: Learned is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'learn'. It means to have acquired knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught.
Usage: Learned is commonly used in American English.
- 1. I learned how to play the piano when I was a child.
- 2. She has learned a lot about history through her research.
- 3. They learned from their mistakes and improved their performance.
Definition: Learnt is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'learn'. It means to have acquired knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught.
Usage: Learnt is commonly used in British English.
- 1. I learnt how to swim when I was on vacation.
- 2. He has learnt a lot about science through his experiments.
- 3. We learnt from our mistakes and became better at problem-solving.
The words 'learned' and 'learnt' are both past tense forms of the verb 'learn.' They are used interchangeably in British English, with 'learnt' being more common. In American English, 'learned' is the preferred past tense form.
Learned vs Learnt: 5 Quizzes
1. Which is the correct spelling?
2. Which spelling is incorrect?
3. Which spelling is commonly used in American English?
4. Which spelling is commonly used in British English?
5. Which spelling is more widely accepted?
FAQs
What is the difference between 'learned' and 'learnt'?
'Learned' and 'learnt' are both past tense forms of the verb 'learn'. 'Learned' is the more common form used in American English, while 'learnt' is more commonly used in British English.
Can I use 'learned' and 'learnt' interchangeably?
Yes, in most cases, 'learned' and 'learnt' can be used interchangeably without any difference in meaning. It depends on your personal preference or the style guide you are following.
Are there any regional variations in the usage of 'learned' and 'learnt'?
Yes, 'learned' is generally preferred in American English, while 'learnt' is more commonly used in British English and other Commonwealth countries. However, both forms are understood and accepted in most English-speaking regions.
Which form should I use in formal writing?
In formal writing, it is generally recommended to use 'learned' as it is considered the standard form in most style guides and academic publications. However, if you are writing for a British audience or following a specific style guide that prefers 'learnt', you can use that form as well.
Is there any difference in pronunciation between 'learned' and 'learnt'?
No, there is no difference in pronunciation between 'learned' and 'learnt'. Both forms are pronounced the same way, with the stress on the first syllable ('lurnd').