Mastering the Past Tense of Learn: Essential Tips for English Learners

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: August 11, 2023

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Learning English grammar can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the past tense. While there are various past tenses in English, the simple past tense is the most commonly used. In this article, we will focus on the past tense of learn, which is an essential verb to know when communicating in English. We will also list out some common mistakes whwile using past tense of learn, and provide practicing exercises to improve your understanding of the topic.

Key Takeaways

The past tense of ‘learn’ is an irregular verb and does not follow the typical pattern of adding ‘-ed’ to the base form of the verb.
‘Learned’ is the most commonly used past tense form of ‘learn’ in American English, while ‘learnt’ is more commonly used in British English.
Understanding the past tense of ‘learn’ is crucial for effective communication in English and requires practice to master.

Contents

Past Tense of Learn: An Overview

Learning the past tense of verbs is a fundamental aspect of mastering English grammar. In this article, we will cover the past tense of the verb “learn.” By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to use the past tense of “learn” correctly.

The past tense of “learn” is either “learned” or “learnt.” The difference in spelling depends on whether you are using American English or British English. “Learned” is the correct spelling in American English, while “learnt” is the correct spelling in British English.

Here are some examples of how to use the past tense of “learn” in sentences:

I learned how to swim when I was a child.
She learned to speak French fluently in just six months.
They learnt how to play the guitar by watching YouTube videos.

It’s important to note that “learned” is also used in British English, but “learnt” is the more common spelling.

To form the past participle of “learn,” you can use either “learned” or “learnt.” Here are some examples:

I have learned a lot from this experience.
She had learnt all the material before the exam.
They have learned how to code in Python.

In summary, the past tense of “learn” is either “learned” or “learnt,” depending on the variety of English you are using. The past participle can be formed using either “learned” or “learnt.” By understanding the correct usage of these forms, you will be able to communicate more effectively in English.

Usage of ‘Learned’

As a past tense of the verb ‘learn’, ‘learned’ is the generally accepted spelling in the United States and Canada. However, the rest of the English-speaking world seems to prefer ‘learnt’ for now.

Here are some examples of how to use ‘learned’ in a sentence:

I learned how to play the piano when I was a child.
She learned the hard way that procrastination leads to stress.
We learned about the history of the city on our walking tour.

It’s important to note that ‘learned’ can also be used as an adjective to describe someone who has acquired knowledge or skills through study or experience. For example:

He is a learned professor who has published many books on the subject.
She is a learned lawyer who has won many cases in court.

In addition, ‘learned’ can also be used as a past participle of the verb ‘learn’. Here are some examples:

I have learned a lot from my mistakes.
She has learned how to speak French fluently.

Overall, ‘learned’ is a widely accepted spelling of the past tense of ‘learn’, and can be used in a variety of contexts to describe the acquisition of knowledge or skills.

Usage of ‘Learnt’

When it comes to the past tense of the verb ‘learn’, there is often confusion over whether to use ‘learnt’ or ‘learned’. The truth is, both are correct, but the spelling you use depends on where you are from.

In British English, ‘learnt’ is the preferred spelling for the past tense and past participle of ‘learn’. On the other hand, in American English, ‘learned’ is the more commonly used spelling.

For example:

British English: I learnt how to swim last summer.
American English: I learned how to swim last summer.

It’s worth noting that both spellings are widely accepted in both forms of English, so you won’t be wrong whichever one you choose to use.

However, if you’re learning English as a second language, it’s a good idea to pick one spelling and stick to it consistently. This will help you avoid confusion and make your writing more consistent.

To summarize, if you’re writing in British English, use ‘learnt’ as the past tense of ‘learn’. If you’re writing in American English, use ‘learned’. But remember, both spellings are correct and widely accepted, so don’t worry too much about getting it wrong.

Common Mistakes When Using ‘Learned’ and ‘Learnt’

When it comes to using the past tense of the verb “learn,” there is often confusion between “learned” and “learnt.” Both are correct forms of the past tense and past participle, but their usage varies depending on the region.

Spelling Mistakes

Some people consider using “learnt” in American English or “learned” in British English as a spelling mistake. It’s important to be aware of these differences and to use the correct form depending on the context and audience.

Adjective vs. Verb

It’s important to note that “learned” can also be used as an adjective, while “learnt” is always a verb. For example, “She is a learned scholar” uses “learned” as an adjective, while “I learnt a lot from that experience” uses “learnt” as a verb.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand the difference between “learned” and “learnt”:

American English: “I learned how to swim when I was five years old.”
British English: “I learnt how to swim when I was five years old.”
American English: “She has learned a lot about history.”
British English: “She has learnt a lot about history.”
American English: “The teacher is very learned in the subject of literature.”
British English: “The teacher is very learnt in the subject of literature.”

Practice Exercises

Now that you have learned about the past tense of “learn,” it’s time to put your knowledge into practice with some exercises. Practicing is an essential part of learning, and it will help you improve your English skills.

Here are some exercises that will help you practice the past tense of “learn”:

Exercise 1

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the past tense of “learn”:

Yesterday, I _____________ how to cook lasagna.
She _____________ how to swim when she was five years old.
They _____________ how to play the guitar in high school.
He _____________ how to speak French in college.
We _____________ how to dance salsa last weekend.

Exercise 2

Rewrite the following sentences in the past tense:

I learn English every day.
She learns how to play the piano.
They learn how to code.
He learns how to cook Thai food.
We learn how to paint.

Exercise 3

Choose the correct form of the past tense of “learn” to complete the following sentences:

Yesterday, I (learnt/learned) how to make sushi.
She (learnt/learned) how to ride a bike when she was six years old.
They (learnt/learned) how to speak Chinese in college.
He (learnt/learned) how to play the drums in high school.
We (learnt/learned) how to surf last summer.

Exercise 4

Match the following sentences with the correct form of the past tense of “learn”:

I learned/learnt how to drive a car. A. learnt
She learned/learnt how to play chess. B. learned
They learned/learnt how to ski. C. learned
He learned/learnt how to ride a horse. D. learnt
We learned/learnt how to speak Italian. E. learned

These exercises will help you practice the past tense of “learn” and improve your English skills. Keep practicing, and you will see progress in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the simple past tense for learn with sentence?

The simple past tense of “learn” is “learned” in American English and “learnt” in British English. Here’s an example sentence: “Yesterday, I learned how to ride a bike.”

What is the third form of learn?

The third form of “learn” is “learned” in American English and “learnt” in British English. For example, “I have learned so much from this experience.”

How to pronounce past tense?

The past tense of “learn” is pronounced as “lurnd” in American English and “lernt” in British English.

Is it learnt or learned in the UK?

Both “learnt” and “learned” are acceptable in British English, but “learnt” is more commonly used.

Simple past tense examples.

Here are some examples of simple past tense sentences with “learn”:

I learned how to cook lasagna last week.
She learned how to play the guitar when she was a teenager.
They learned about the history of the city on the tour.

Remember to use the simple past tense when describing an action that happened in the past and is now completed.

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