Use of Learned vs Learnt

[Anonymous]

When is it appropriate to use "learned" rather than "learnt" ie I have learned, it was learnt?? Or, is either correct?

 

[Ulli]

Learned or learnt?

Hi Pauline,

you're right you can use both, learned or learnt. :idea:

Learnt is common in British English, learned in American English. :wink:

Ulli

 

[Casiopea]

Re: Ues of Learned vs Learnt

When is it appropriate to use "learned" rather than "learnt" ie I have learned, it was learnt?? Or, is either correct?

I agree with Ulli's post.

Both learned and learnt are alternative spellings of the past tense and past participle of the verb learn.

Learnt is more common in British English, and learned in American English.

In addition, there are a number of verbs of the type -ed ~ -t:

burned, burnt
dreamed, dreamt
kneeled, knelt
leaned, leant
leaped, leapt
spelled, spelt
spilled, spilt
spoiled, spoilt

All are irregular verbs.

Source

All the best,

 

[Francois]

Does using the learnt-like forms automatically marks you down as a brit?

FRC

 

[Casiopea]

Does using the learnt-like forms automatically marks you down as a brit?

FRC

No. 8) Canadians use both British and North American variations.

 

[Francois]

I always forget about the Canadians

FRC

 

[Casiopea]

I always forget about the Canadians

FRC

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :shock:

 

[gonghai]

Re: Ues of Learned vs Learnt

yes we canadians use both the learned and learnt

but we prefer the "ed"

 

[Ulli]

In reply to gonghai

......but finally both ways of writing make the same sense, don't they :?: :lol:


Ulli :wink:

 

[Casiopea]

Re: Ues of Learned vs Learnt

yes we canadians use both the learned and learnt

but we prefer the "ed"

"we" :?:

 

[MikeNewYork]

Does using the learnt-like forms automatically marks you down as a brit?

FRC

No. Americans (and let's not forget Canadians on Canada Day) and Canadians use some of the learnt-like forms.

This American uses:

burned, burnt**
dreamed, dreamt
kneeled, knelt
leaned
leaped, leapt
spelled
spilled*
spoiled

* I only use "spilt" in "spilt milk".

** In AE, burnt is usually reserved for colors and things that have a burned appearance, but aren't really burned.

burnt orange
burnt rose
burnt sienna
burnt umber

burnt toast (dark color and crisp, but not destroyed)
burned toast (destroyed, not edible)

 

[Shaneb]

Re: Ues of Learned vs Learnt

I am Australian and I normally use the British versions of these words. However, i have never heard of leant. I always use leaned.

burnt
dreamt
knelt
leaned
leaped, leapt
spelt
spilled, spilt
spoiled, spoilt (usually the plot of a film is spoiled and a rich kid is spoilt)
Learnt