Distinguishing Between Learned & Learnt

Learned vs Learnt

The reason people often have trouble deciding whether to use “learned” or “learnt” is due to the subtle differences between the two words. Both words are derived from the verb “learn,” so to understand their histories, we need to look at the origin of “learn.” The verb “learn” comes from the Old English word “leornian,” and its derivatives include “learnability” and “learnable.”

What does Learnt mean?

In British English, the verb “learn” is considered an irregular verb. As a result, the past tense and past participle of “learn” in British English is “learnt.” If you are using British English, be sure to use “learnt” as the past tense and past participle. See the examples below:
– He learnt the song very fast.
– He has learnt how to do it.
– She had learnt the art of playing the game of bridge.

In these examples, “learnt” is used as the simple past tense in the first sentence and as the past participle along with the auxiliary verbs “has” and “had” in the second and third sentences. The second sentence is in the present perfect tense (has/have + past participle), while the third sentence is in the past perfect tense (had + past participle).

What does Learned mean?

In American English, the verb “learn” is considered a regular verb. As a result, the past tense and past participle of “learn” in American English is “learned” by adding “-ed” to the root verb “learn.” If you are using American English, be sure to use “learned” as the past tense and past participle. See the examples below:
– He learned the trick very fast.
– You have learned it from him.
– She had learned her lines well.

In these examples, “learned” is used as the simple past tense in the first sentence and as the past participle along with the auxiliary verbs “has” and “had” in the second and third sentences. The second sentence is in the present perfect tense (has/have + past participle), while the third sentence is in the past perfect tense (had + past participle).

The word “learned” can also be used to describe someone who has mastered an art or science, as in the following sentences:
– He is a learned man.
– They are learned in the art of fencing.

In both of these sentences, “learned” is used as an adjective to describe someone who has mastered an art or science.

What is the difference between Learned and Learnt?

• Both “learned” and “learnt” are different forms of the verb “learn.”
• “Learnt” is used as the past tense and past participle in British English.
• “Learned” is used as the past tense and past participle in American English. This is the main difference between the two words.
• “Learned” can also be used to describe someone who has mastered an art or science.

These are the differences between the words “learned” and “learnt.”