Learned vs. Learnt — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 20, 2024
"Learned" is the preferred past tense and past participle of "learn" in American English, while "learnt" is commonly used in British English.
Difference Between Learned and Learnt
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Key Differences
"Learned" serves as both the past tense and past participle of the verb "learn" in American English, indicating the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience or study. For example, saying "I learned Spanish last year" implies that the speaker acquired knowledge of Spanish within the previous year. On the other hand, "learnt" is used in the same context but is more common in British English. Both forms are correct, but their usage depends largely on the variant of English being spoken or written.
In addition to geographical differences in usage, "learned" can also function as an adjective in both American and British English, describing someone who is very knowledgeable due to extensive study. However, this adjective form is pronounced differently, with two syllables (learn-ed) as opposed to the one-syllable pronunciation when used as the verb form.
Despite the difference in spelling, there is no difference in meaning between "learned" and "learnt" when used as the past tense or past participle of "learn." The choice between them is primarily a matter of dialect and personal or regional preference. It's worth noting that in formal writing, consistency with either American or British English conventions is generally expected.
While "learned" is universally understood and accepted in both American and British English contexts, "learnt" may be less familiar to American English speakers. However, in spoken language and informal contexts, speakers often use these forms interchangeably, especially in regions with a mixture of American and British English influences.
Comparison Chart
Variant
Preferred in American English
Preferred in British English
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Function
Past tense and past participle of "learn"
Past tense and past participle of "learn"
Additional Use
As an adjective meaning knowledgeable (pronounced learn-ed)
No additional meaning
Pronunciation
One syllable as a verb (learned)
One syllable (learnt)
Context
Formal and informal, universal acceptance
More common in informal contexts, especially outside the US
Compare with Definitions
Learned
Acquired knowledge or skills through study or experience.
She has learned a great deal from her time abroad.
Learnt
British English variant for the past tense and past participle of "learn."
I learnt Spanish in just six months.
Learned
Adjective: having much knowledge acquired by study.
The learned professor gave a fascinating lecture.
Learnt
Used to describe knowledge or skills acquired.
We learnt that honesty is the best policy through experience.
Learned
Past tense and past participle of "learn."
He learned the poem by heart.
Learnt
A past tense and a past participle of learn.
Learned
(of a person) having acquired much knowledge through study
A learned, generous, and notoriously absent-minded man
Learnt
Past participle of learn
She has learnt to adapt to the changes quickly.
Learned
Having profound, often systematic knowledge; erudite.
Learned
Showing or characterized by such knowledge
A learned journal.
Learned
(lûrnd) Acquired by learning or experience
Learned behavior.
Learned
Having much learning, knowledgeable, erudite; highly educated.
Learned
Scholarly, exhibiting scholarship.
Learned
Derived from experience; acquired by learning.
Everyday behavior is an overlay of learned behavior over instinct.
Learned
Simple past tense and past participle of learn
Learned
Of or pertaining to learning; possessing, or characterized by, learning, esp. scholastic learning; erudite; well-informed; as, a learned scholar, writer, or lawyer; a learned book; a learned theory.
The learnedlover lost no time.
Men of much reading are greatly learned, but may be little knowing.
Words of learned length and thundering sound.
Every coxcomb swears as learnedly as they.
Learned
Having or showing profound knowledge;
A learned jurist
An erudite professor
Learned
Highly educated; having extensive information or understanding;
An enlightened public
Knowing instructors
A knowledgeable critic
A knowledgeable audience
Learned
Established by conditioning or learning;
A conditioned response
Learned
Acquired by learning;
Learned skills
Common Curiosities
Are "learned" and "learnt" interchangeable?
They are interchangeable in terms of meaning but not in terms of regional usage preferences. It's advisable to use the form that aligns with the variant of English you are using or being exposed to.
How should I decide whether to use "learned" or "learnt"?
Consider the audience and the variant of English expected. Use "learned" for American English audiences and "learnt" for British English or regions favoring British English conventions.
Will using "learnt" in American English be considered incorrect?
It might be marked as non-standard or less preferred in formal writing or standardized tests, but it's unlikely to cause misunderstanding.
Is the adjective form of "learned" common?
Yes, but it's more often found in formal writing or speech. It's pronounced with two syllables (learn-ed) and describes someone with extensive knowledge.
How can I remember the pronunciation difference for the adjective "learned"?
Remember that the adjective has an extra syllable, reflecting the depth of knowledge: learn-ed, as opposed to the verb form.
Is there a difference in meaning between "learned" and "learnt"?
No, there is no difference in meaning. The difference lies in regional usage preferences.
In what contexts is it particularly important to choose between "learned" and "learnt" carefully?
In academic writing, professional communication, and formal publications, it's important to choose the form that aligns with the preferred English variant of your audience.
Can the use of "learned" vs. "learnt" affect the perception of my writing?
Yes, using British English forms in an American English context (or vice versa) might affect how readers perceive your attention to detail and awareness of language conventions.
Can "learnt" be used in American English?
While "learnt" is understood in American English, "learned" is the preferred form in both spoken and written contexts.
Are there other verbs in English with similar regional variations?
Yes, there are several verbs with different past tense and past participle forms in American and British English, such as "dreamed/dreamt" and "burned/burnt."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
