I learnt how to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I learnt how to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing skills or knowledge that you have acquired through experience or education. Example: "After months of practice, I learnt how to play the guitar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I learnt how to fall safely.

Independent

"I learnt how to work very hard.

The Guardian

I learnt how to do that through trial and error".

Independent

I learnt how to be mindful, accept myself.

University of California, Berkeley

My influences My dad was an architect, so  I learnt how to sketch early on.

Independent

I guess I learnt how to respect myself and how to respect somebody else".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Is learning how to bunny hop.

WikiHow

I learned how to sew.

The New York Times

I learned how to use GoogleDocs.

The New York Times

"I learned how to run a studio.

The New York Times

I learned how to be a mason.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skills acquired in the past, use "I learnt how to" to clearly indicate the learning process. Be specific about what you learnt for better clarity.

Common error

While "learnt" is acceptable in British English, "learned" is the standard past tense form in American English. Ensure consistency in your writing based on your target audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I learnt how to" functions as an introductory clause expressing the acquisition of a new skill or understanding. It introduces the specific ability that was developed, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I learnt how to" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe the acquisition of a new skill or knowledge. According to Ludwig, this phrase is primarily found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, and it is deemed correct by Ludwig AI. While "learnt" is more prevalent in British English, remember that "learned" serves as the American English equivalent. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "I learnt how to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I discovered how to

Replaces "learnt" with "discovered", implying a more active process of finding out.

I found out how to

Uses a more informal phrasal verb "found out" instead of "learnt".

I figured out how to

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect of learning.

I mastered how to

Suggests a higher level of proficiency than simply learning.

I became skilled at

Shifts the focus to the resulting skill rather than the process of learning.

I acquired the ability to

Uses a more formal and abstract way to express gaining a skill.

I picked up how to

Implies a casual or informal way of learning.

I was taught how to

Highlights the role of instruction in the learning process.

I now know how to

Focuses on the present state of knowing, after learning.

I gained the knowledge to

Emphasizes gaining knowledge as the outcome of the learning process.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I learnt how to" and "I learned how to"?

Both phrases mean the same thing, but "learnt" is more common in British English, while "learned" is preferred in American English. Choose the form that aligns with your target audience.

What can I say instead of "I learnt how to"?

You can use alternatives like "I discovered how to", "I figured out how to", or "I became skilled at" depending on the context.

Is "I learnt how to" formal or informal?

The phrase "I learnt how to" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "I acquired the ability to" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

How to use "I learnt how to" in a sentence?

Use "I learnt how to" followed by the skill or knowledge you acquired. For example, "I learnt how to play the guitar" or "I learnt how to speak French."