When Did “Learnt” Become a Word: A Historical Journey Through Linguistic Evolution

Embark on a linguistic journey with VietprEducation to uncover the captivating story of “learnt.” Discover when this word entered the English lexicon, how it evolved over time, and the intriguing reasons behind its usage in various contexts. Explore the nuances that distinguish “learnt” from its counterpart, “learned,” and gain insights into the appropriate usage of each in different situations. Delve into the fascinating world of words and uncover the secrets of “learnt” with VietprEducation as your guide.

Word	Definition	Usage
Learnt	Past tense and past participle of the verb “learn”	Used in British English and some other varieties of English
Learned	Past tense and past participle of the verb “learn”	Used in American English and some other varieties of English

I. When Did Learnt Become a Word?

The History of the Word “Learnt”

The word “learnt” has a long and winding history, dating back to the Middle English period. It is derived from the Old English word “leornian,” which means “to learn.” The word “learnt” was first used in the 13th century, and it quickly became a common way to express the past tense of “learn.” However, in the 16th century, the word “learned” began to gain popularity, and it eventually became the more common form of the past tense of “learn.” Today, “learnt” is still used in some parts of the world, but it is generally considered to be an archaic form of the word.

There are a few reasons why “learned” became the more popular form of the past tense of “learn.” One reason is that it is simply easier to pronounce than “learnt.” Another reason is that “learned” is more consistent with the spelling of other words in the English language, such as “burned” and “earned.” Finally, “learned” is more closely related to the Latin word “docere,” which means “to teach.” This connection to Latin gave “learned” a more scholarly and prestigious feel, which may have contributed to its popularity.

Word	Definition	Usage
Learnt	Past tense and past participle of the verb “learn”	Used in British English and some other varieties of English
Learned	Past tense and past participle of the verb “learn”	Used in American English and some other varieties of English

When to Use “Learnt” and “Learned”

In general, it is best to use “learned” as the past tense of “learn.” This is especially true in formal writing, such as academic papers and business reports. However, there are some cases where it is acceptable to use “learnt.” For example, “learnt” is still commonly used in British English, and it can also be used in informal writing, such as personal letters and blog posts.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use “learnt” or “learned” is a matter of style. If you are unsure which word to use, it is always best to err on the side of caution and use “learned.” This will ensure that your writing is clear and easy to understand.

Use “learnt” in British English and some other varieties of English.
Use “learned” in American English and some other varieties of English.
Use “learned” in formal writing, such as academic papers and business reports.
Use “learnt” in informal writing, such as personal letters and blog posts.

Examples of “Learnt” and “Learned” in a Sentence

Here are some examples of how “learnt” and “learned” can be used in a sentence:

I learnt a lot about history in school.
She has learned to play the piano beautifully.
We learned that the Earth is round.
They learnt how to speak French in Paris.
He has learned a lot from his mistakes.

As you can see, the words “learnt” and “learned” can be used in a variety of contexts. The best way to decide which word to use is to consider the style of your writing and the audience you are writing for.

Are Learning Styles Real?Are Learning Disabilities Genetic?

II. The History of the Word “Learnt”

The word “learnt” has a long and winding history, dating back to the Middle English period. It is derived from the Old English word “leornian,” which means “to learn.” The word “learnt” was first used in the 13th century, and it quickly became a common way to express the past tense of “learn.” However, in the 16th century, the word “learned” began to emerge as a more popular alternative to “learnt.” This was likely due to the influence of the Latin word “docere,” which also means “to learn.” As a result, “learned” became the standard past tense of “learn” in most English-speaking countries, while “learnt” continued to be used in some dialects and regions.

In the 19th century, there was a revival of interest in the word “learnt.” This was due in part to the work of the English philologist Walter Skeat, who argued that “learnt” was the more correct past tense of “learn.” Skeat’s work helped to popularize the use of “learnt” in academic and literary circles, and it is now considered to be a standard alternative to “learned” in British English. However, in American English, “learned” remains the more common choice.

Country	Preferred Past Tense of “Learn”
United Kingdom	Learnt
United States	Learned

Today, the word “learnt” is still used in some dialects and regions, but it is generally considered to be a more formal and literary word than “learned.” It is often used in academic and legal writing, as well as in some technical and scientific fields. However, in everyday conversation, “learned” is the more common choice.

Are Learning Styles Real?

III. The Difference Between “Learnt” and “Learned”

The words “learnt” and “learned” are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences between the two. “Learnt” is typically used to refer to something that has been acquired through study or experience, while “learned” can also be used to refer to something that has been taught or imparted. For example, you might say that you “learnt” a new language by taking a class, or that you “learned” a new skill by watching a tutorial. However, you would not say that you “learnt” something from a teacher, or that you “learned” a new language by osmosis.

Another difference between “learnt” and “learned” is that “learnt” is often used in the passive voice, while “learned” is more commonly used in the active voice. For example, you might say that “the new language was learnt by the students,” or that “the new skill was learned by the employee.” However, you would not say that “the students learnt the new language,” or that “the employee learned the new skill.”

Are Learning Disabilities Genetic?

IV. When to Use “Learnt” and “Learned”

In general, it is best to use “learned” in most situations. However, there are some cases where it is more appropriate to use “learnt.” For example, you should use “learnt” when you are referring to something that has been acquired through study or experience, or when you are using the passive voice. You should also use “learnt” in academic and legal writing, as well as in some technical and scientific fields.

Here are some examples of how to use “learnt” and “learned” correctly:

“I learnt a new language by taking a class.”
“The new skill was learned by the employee.”
“The students learnt the new language in a matter of months.”
“The new language was learned by the students in a matter of months.”
“I have learnt a lot from my experiences.”
“I have learned a lot from my teachers.”

Are Learning Disabilities Neurological?

V. Examples of “Learnt” and “Learned” in a Sentence

Here are some examples of how “learnt” and “learned” are used in a sentence:

I learnt how to play the guitar when I was a teenager.
She has learned a lot about the world since she started traveling.
The students learnt about the history of the United States in their social studies class.
The new employees learned how to use the company’s software during their training.
I have learnt a lot from my mistakes.
I have learned a lot from my parents.

Are Learning in Spanish?

VI. The Difference Between “Learnt” and “Learned”

In the realm of English grammar, the words “learnt” and “learned” often cause confusion due to their similar meanings and pronunciation. While both terms share the same root word, “learn,” they differ in their usage and context. Understanding the distinction between these two words is essential for effective communication.

Word	Definition	Usage
Learnt	Past tense and past participle of the verb “learn”	Used in British English and some other varieties of English
Learned	Past tense and past participle of the verb “learn”	Used in American English and some other varieties of English

In British English, “learnt” is the preferred form of the past tense and past participle of “learn.” For example, “I learnt how to play the guitar when I was younger.” However, in American English, “learned” is the more common choice, as seen in the sentence, “She learned a new language while living abroad.”

To avoid confusion, it is generally advisable to use “learned” in formal writing or when communicating with a global audience. In informal settings or when writing specifically for a British audience, “learnt” may be appropriate.

Do Learning Styles Exist?Can You Learn Thunderbolt?

The Difference Between “Learnt” and “Learned”

VII. When to Use “Learnt” and “Learned”

The usage of “learnt” and “learned” depends on the context and the variety of English being used. In general, “learned” is the more common form and is used in all varieties of English. “Learnt” is primarily used in British English and some other varieties of English, such as Australian English and New Zealand English.

Here are some guidelines for using “learnt” and “learned”:

In British English: “Learnt” is the preferred form in both the past tense and past participle of the verb “learn.” For example, you would say “I learnt a new language” or “I have learnt a lot from this experience.”
In American English: “Learned” is the preferred form in both the past tense and past participle of the verb “learn.” For example, you would say “I learned a new language” or “I have learned a lot from this experience.”
In other varieties of English: The usage of “learnt” and “learned” can vary. In some varieties, such as Australian English and New Zealand English, “learnt” is used more frequently than in American English. However, “learned” is still the more common form in these varieties.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which form to use is to consider the context and the variety of English being used. If you are unsure which form to use, it is always safe to use “learned.”Are Learning Styles Real?

Variety of English	Past Tense	Past Participle
British English	learnt	learnt
American English	learned	learned
Australian English	learnt	learnt
New Zealand English	learnt	learnt

Examples of “Learnt” and “Learned” in a Sentence

I learnt a lot about history in school. (British English)
I learned a lot about history in school. (American English)
She has learnt to play the piano beautifully. (British English)
She has learned to play the piano beautifully. (American English)
We have learnt from our mistakes and will do better next time. (British English)
We have learned from our mistakes and will do better next time. (American English)

Conclusion

VIII. Examples of “Learnt” and “Learned” in a Sentence

To illustrate the usage of “learnt” and “learned,” consider the following examples:

“I learnt a valuable lesson from that experience.”
“She has learned to play the piano beautifully.”
“We learnt about the history of the city during our tour.”
“He has learned to speak Spanish fluently.”
“They learnt how to solve complex equations in math class.”

In these examples, “learnt” and “learned” are used correctly and appropriately. “Learnt” is used in the past tense, while “learned” is used in the present perfect tense.

Here are some additional examples of “learnt” and “learned” in a sentence:

“I have learnt to appreciate the simple things in life.”
“She learnt to swim when she was a child.”
“We learnt about the different cultures of the world in our social studies class.”
“He has learned to be more patient with his children.”
“They learnt how to use the new software program quickly.”

As you can see, “learnt” and “learned” can be used in a variety of contexts. The key is to use the correct tense and to use the words in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

Here are some related posts that you may find interesting:

Examples of “Learnt” and “Learned” in a Sentence

IX. Conclusion

The journey of “learnt” and “learned” through the annals of time is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of language. While “learnt” holds its ground in certain contexts, “learned” has become the more prevalent choice in contemporary English. Understanding the nuances of their usage ensures effective communication and a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of language.

If you’re interested in exploring more educational topics, check out our related posts on Learning Styles, Learning Disabilities, and Neurological Learning Disabilities.