The difference between learned and learnt is one that often trips up people writing in English. Learnt is the past tense of learn, while learned is the past participle form. To help you remember the difference, just think: learnt is something that you have learned, while learned is what you have become as a result of learning. Many people get this wrong, so be sure to use the correct verb form when writing!
What is Learned?
Learned is an adjective that describes something that has been acquired through experience or education. When we say that someone is Learned, we mean that they have a lot of knowledge about a particular subject. Learned is often used to describe people who are considered experts in their field, such as Learned professors or Learned judges. However, it can also be used to describe anyone who has simply taken the time to learn something new. In this sense, Learned is synonymous with knowledgeable or well-informed. So, the next time you want to impress your friends with your vast array of useless knowledge, remember: you’re not just knowledgeable, you’re Learned.
What is Learnt?
“Learnt” is the past tense of the verb “learn.” It is used to describe when someone has acquired knowledge or skills through experience or study. For example, you might say “I learnt how to speak French in school” or “I learnt how to bake by watching my mom.” “Learnt” is also sometimes used as the past participle of the verb “learn,” as in “I have learnt a lot about myself this year.” While “learnt” is technically correct, it is less common than “learned.” In most cases, it is best to use “learned” instead.
Difference between Learned and Learnt
Learned is the preferred spelling in American English, while learnt is more common in British English. There is no difference in meaning between the two spellings. Learned is a regular verb, which means it forms its past tense and past participle by adding -ed to the base form: learn – learned/learnt – learned/learnt. The -t spelling of the past tense and past participle is common in British English, but it is considered nonstandard. If you are writing for a British audience, it is best to use learnt. For American audiences, learned is the safer choice. In summary, there is no difference in meaning between learned and learnt, but learned is more common in American English while learnt is more common in British English.
Conclusion
The difference between learned and learnt may seem subtle, but it’s an important distinction to make. When you learn something, you take in new information and store it away for future use. But when you have mastered that information and can use it fluently, then you have learnt it. So the next time you are writing or speaking English (or any other language), be sure to use the correct verb form!
