Confusing words explained
“learnt” vs “learned” — What’s the Difference?
Both correct; 'learnt' is British; 'learned' is American English.
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: learnt vs learned
Both correct; 'learnt' is British; 'learned' is American English.
learnt vs learned Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of learnt
Past tense and past participle of 'learn' in British English; to gain knowledge or skill
to gain knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught. British English form.
Use 'learnt' in British English; 'learned' in American English contexts.
- I learnt French at school.
- She has learnt to play the piano.
Meaning of learned
To gain knowledge or develop a skill
Gained knowledge or developed a skill; American English past form.
Use 'learned' for American English past tense.
- I learned to swim last summer.
- She learned a new language.
Usage Notes & Nuance
learned: American spelling 'learned'; British spelling 'learnt'.
How to Remember the Difference
British writers use learnt; American writers use learned (and the adjective 'learned' is always two syllables).
Common Mistakes with learnt and learned
Mistake with learnt
Correct: I learnt about it yesterday.
Mistake with learnt
Correct: She has learnt to swim.
Mistake with learned
Correct: 'Learned' for past tense action
Mistake with learned
Correct: 'Learned' is the past tense
Practice Quiz: learnt or learned?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
I _____ French at school.
Question 2
She has _____ to play the piano.
Question 3
They _____ from their mistakes.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About learnt vs learned
What’s the difference between “learnt” and “learned”?
Both correct; 'learnt' is British; 'learned' is American English.
When should I use “learnt”?
Use 'learnt' in British English; 'learned' in American English contexts.
When should I use “learned”?
Use 'learned' for American English past tense.
How can I remember learnt vs learned?
British writers use learnt; American writers use learned (and the adjective 'learned' is always two syllables).
Is it “learnt” or “learned” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.