Learnt vs. Learned

English can be complicated sometimes as we use different variations of words that mean the same. The words “learnt” and “learned” come under the same category. Both of them mean the same, but there are slight differences between them. “Learnt” is used as a verb, whereas “learned” is used both as a verb and an adjective. Both of them are derived from the verbal root “learn,” but one is used in British English while the other is used in American English.

Meaning of Learnt

The verb “learn” is an irregular verb according to British English. So, in British English, the past tense and the past participle of the verb “learn” are “learnt.” It refers to acquiring knowledge of a skill by study, experience, or being taught.

Usage of Learnt

“Learnt” is used as a verb, which refers to acquiring knowledge of a skill by study, experience, or being taught. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb “learn” in British English.

Examples of Learnt

• I learnt to ride a bike by myself.
• At last, they have learnt a lifetime lesson.
• She finally learnt how to bake a cake perfectly.
• We learnt about the Cholas yesterday in history class.

Meaning and Usage of Learned

The verb “learn” is a regular verb according to American English. A verb is said to be a regular verb if the past tense and the past participle of the verb are formed by adding –ed to the root verb. So, in American English, the past tense and the past participle of the verb “learn” are “learned.” It is used as a verb and also as an adjective. When it is a verb, it refers to acquiring knowledge of a skill by study, experience, or being taught. When it is an adjective, it refers to being knowledgeable, highly educated, or having acquired much knowledge.

Usage of Learned

“Learned” is used as a verb, which refers to acquiring knowledge of a skill by study, experience, or being taught. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb “learn” in American English. It is also used as an adjective. 

• She learned how to make sweets from his father. Here, “learned” is a verb, which refers to gaining knowledge by being taught.
• Abhay is the most learned doctor in our family. Here, “learned” is an adjective, which refers to knowledgeable.

Examples of Learned

• I have learned to sew from my grandmother.
• We learned and enjoyed a lot during our school trip. 
• She learned to be a strong woman despite the difficulties she faced.
• Rahul is a learned and respected lawyer in our community.

Difference Between Learnt and Learned

Learnt	Learned
It is the past tense and past participle of the verb “learn” in British English.	It is the past tense and past participle of the verb “learn” in American English.
It is used only as a verb.	It is used as a verb and also as an adjective.
It refers to acquiring knowledge of a skill by study, experience, or being taught.	When it is a verb, it refers to acquiring knowledge of a skill by study, experience, or being taught.  When it is an adjective, it refers to being knowledgeable, highly educated, or having acquired much knowledge.
Examples: He learnt the concept quickly. I learnt Spanish when I was in school.	Examples: His articles were published in a learned journal. Jack hadn’t learned from his past mistakes.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the differences between “learnt” and “learned,” as well as their meaning and usage, with examples. Remember that “learnt” is used as the past tense and past participle of the verb “learn” in British English, whereas “learned” is used as the past tense and past participle of the verb “learn” in American English.