Learnt vs. Learned: Make Sure You Get It Right!

Last updated on September 18, 2024 by Liam Daniel

One more word that is spelled differently, depending on where in the world you are, is the past tense of the verb “to learn”. People from different countries can mean the same thing, i.e. that they acquired knowledge about a certain topic, but some will say that they learned something, while others will say that they learnt it. Which spelling is accepted where?

Learnt vs. Learned: What’s The Difference?

Quick Tips:

  • Use “learnt” in British, Australian, or New Zealand English, especially in informal contexts.
  • Use “learned” in American English and in formal writing across all English varieties.
  • Use “learned” (pronounced /ˈlɜːrnɪd/) as an adjective to describe someone knowledgeable or scholarly.
Learnt vs. Learned
Learnt vs. Learned – Created by 7ESL

Learnt vs. Learned: Definition, Usage

Has:

  • Meaning: A form of “to have” used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it, or singular nouns).
  • Use: Used in the present tense when the subject is a single person, thing, or entity.
  • Examples:
    • “She has a new car.”
    • “The dog has a collar.”
    • “He has finished his homework.”
  • Explanation: “Has” is used when the subject is singular and in the third person.

Have:

  • Meaning: A form of “to have” used with first-person (I, we), second-person (you), and third-person plural subjects (they, plural nouns).
  • Use: Used in the present tense when the subject is plural or when using the pronouns “I,” “we,” or “you.”
  • Examples:
    • “I have a meeting later.”
    • “They have two children.”
    • “You have done a great job.”
  • Explanation: “Have” is used for plural subjects, or when referring to “I” or “you,” regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.

Common Mistakes with “Learnt” and “Learned”

Using “learnt” in American English where “learned” is preferred:

  • Incorrect (in American English): “I learnt how to swim last summer.”
  • Correct (in American English): “I learned how to swim last summer.”
  • Explanation: “Learned” is the standard past tense form in American English.

Using “learned” or “learnt” incorrectly in the context of adjectives:

  • Incorrect: “She is a learnt professor.” (when describing someone knowledgeable)
  • Correct: “She is a learned professor.” (pronounced /ˈlɜːrnɪd/ with two syllables, meaning educated or knowledgeable)
  • Explanation: “Learned” as an adjective (pronounced /ˈlɜːrnɪd/) refers to someone who is well-educated or scholarly.

Learnt vs. Learned Examples

“Learnt” Examples

  • She has learnt to play the piano beautifully.
  • He learnt his lesson after making that mistake.
  • I’ve learnt a lot from my time spent abroad.
  • They have learnt to adapt to the new environment.
  • We learnt about the history of the castle on our school trip.

“Learned” Examples

  • She has learned to play the piano beautifully.
  • He learned his lesson after making that mistake.
  • I’ve learned a lot from my time spent abroad.
  • They have learned to adapt to the new environment.
  • We learned about the history of the castle on our school trip.
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