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Difference between Learned and Learnt

Nov

30

2011

Difference between Learned and Learnt

In: Grammar Asked By: daniel [554 Orange Star Level]
Answer #1

The terms learnt and learned can be somewhat confusing. Learned generally refers to an individual like a method of describing them. Hence, it is used like and adjective. However, learnt refers to a task that an individual has performed. Therefore, learnt is a verb. Amazingly, both terms may be interchangeably used and still create grammatically correct sentences. For instance: ‘She is a learned and accomplished woman’ to talk about a scholar. Likewise: ‘She has traveled all over the world and learnt several languages’ may talk about the same person as before.

Note that learned comes before the person is mentioned, while learnt comes after the person has already been mentioned. Look at the following examples for more clarity: ‘Considering what I have already learned, I greatly value horse riding. Here, the only time that learnt can be used is through rephrasing and modifying the sentence: Considering what I learnt, horse riding was actually very valuable. Note that learned basically talks about a certain moment that is closer to the present, while learnt is used for describing something some time ago.

Therefore, making exact distinctions might be hard to really note down. However, examples of accurate usage may assist one to understand the minute and fine, but firm differences. As with many other similar terms in English grammar , learnt is essentially new-age, while learned is considered as old-age. If you look at the pronunciation of these two words you will surely discover that learned is somewhat harder than learnt. This is because learnt is fundamentally the evolution or the newer version of learned.

Both terms have a unique root, which is learn. The usage of either word depends on the outlook of sentence and also rhyme. Learned generally refers to an academic and it is harder to pronounce in contrast with learnt.

Answers Answered By: daniel [554 Orange Star Level]
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