Difference between revisions of "Learned - learnt"
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| − | The [[past tense]] of 'to | + | The [[past tense]] of the [[irregular verb]] 'to [[learn (irregular verb)|learn]]' can, like that of 'to spell', be spelled in either of two ways - '''learnt''' and '''learned'''. However, as an [[adjective]] to mean 'scholarly', 'erudite', it must be '''learned''' - which is then pronounced with two syllables, 'LEAR-ned', {{IPA|ˈlÉœ<sup>r</sup>nÉ™d}}. (Some writers mark this pronunciation by writing the word with an [[Written accent|accent]] on the second '-e-' as '''learnèd'''.) For this reason, it may be preferable to use learnt for the usual spelling of the past tense. |
You may also want to check the distinction between [[Learn - teach|'''Learn''' and '''teach''']]. | You may also want to check the distinction between [[Learn - teach|'''Learn''' and '''teach''']]. | ||
[[category:grammar]][[category:irregular verbs]][[category:pronunciation]][[category:academic culture]] | [[category:grammar]][[category:irregular verbs]][[category:pronunciation]][[category:academic culture]] | ||
Revision as of 14:55, 22 June 2008
The past tense of the irregular verb 'to learn' can, like that of 'to spell', be spelled in either of two ways - learnt and learned. However, as an adjective to mean 'scholarly', 'erudite', it must be learned - which is then pronounced with two syllables, 'LEAR-ned', IPA: /ˈlɜrnəd/. (Some writers mark this pronunciation by writing the word with an accent on the second '-e-' as learnèd.) For this reason, it may be preferable to use learnt for the usual spelling of the past tense.
You may also want to check the distinction between Learn and teach.
