Learned vs. Learnt – What’s the Difference?

Have you ever stopped and wondered if it should be learned or learnt? Don’t worry—you’re not alone!

Today, Midoo AI will break it down for you. Both forms are correct, but the choice often depends on where you live and the style of English you’re using. Let’s make it simple.

image.png

Learned – American English Favorite

In American English, learned is the standard past tense and past participle of learn.

Examples:

  • I learned a lot from that class.
  • She learned how to play the guitar last year.
  • They learned about history in school.
  • He has learned to be more patient.
  • We quickly learned the new rules.

👉 Tip: If you’re writing for an American audience, stick with learned.

Learnt – British English Alternative

In British English, learnt is often used as the past tense and past participle of learn. It’s perfectly correct, but it feels more natural to British speakers.

Examples:

  • I learnt so much during my trip to London.
  • She learnt to cook from her grandmother.
  • We learnt about the Romans in school.
  • He has learnt to be more responsible.
  • They learnt new skills at the workshop.

👉 Tip: If you’re writing for a British audience, learnt is perfectly fine.

Quick Trick to Remember

  • Learned = American English (more common worldwide).
  • Learnt = British English (less common, but still correct).

Example in one sentence:

  • In the U.S., people say they learned something, but in the U.K., they might say they learnt it.

Final Tip from Midoo AI

Both learned and learnt are correct. The difference is regional preference:

  • Use learned in American English.
  • Use learnt in British English.

So, pick the version that matches your audience, and you’ll always be right.

FAQS:

Q1: Is one form more correct than the other?

No. Both are correct. Learned is just more common in the U.S., while learnt is more common in the U.K.

Q2: Can I use “learnt” in American English?

Yes, but it will sound old-fashioned or unusual to most Americans.

Q3: What about formal writing?

In formal or professional American writing, always use learned. In British formal writing, both are acceptable.

Q4: Is “learned” also an adjective?

Yes! Learned (pronounced “lur-nid”) can also mean “knowledgeable” or “well-educated.”

  • Example: She is a learned professor.

Q5: Should English learners focus on one form?

Yes. If you’re learning American English, stick with learned. If you’re learning British English, it’s fine to use learnt.