I taught that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I taught that" is grammatically correct but may not be commonly used in written English without additional context.
You can use it when referring to a specific lesson or concept that you have previously taught, but it often requires clarification or completion for better understanding. Example: "In my last class, I taught that the Earth revolves around the sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"There is just one man I taught that could tie a decent fly," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

I can say, 'hey, I taught that guy how to fight!'" If all of this serfdom paid toward a group of guys who are essentially glorified ren faire nerds seems insane, you have to realize that the absolute commitment to the show's medieval illusion on all levels is the only way it works.

Vice

I taught that pig to dance and I do Master of Ceremonies.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Did I teach that party nothing?

The Guardian - Opinion

When I teach that speech, students stop texting and start crying.

The New York Times

I teach that course as well.

Vice

"I teach that sex is a perfectly natural human thing.

Vice

I teach that text in combination with Martin Luther King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail.

Los Angeles Times

When I teach, that's the way I "get" to people as well.

Vice

That's why I teach; that's why I love what I do.

Huffington Post

"That's not the way I was taught; that's not the way I believe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I taught that" to clearly indicate that you were the source of the information or instruction being referred to. This is especially useful in educational, professional, or personal contexts where your role as an instructor or guide is relevant.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I taught that". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement. For example, instead of "I taught that X. I taught that Y", try "I taught that X, and also emphasized Y".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I taught that" functions as an independent clause, asserting a direct statement about the speaker's past action of teaching something. As suggested by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it used to convey information the speaker has instructed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Huffington Post

13%

Vice

8%

Less common in

Science & Research

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I taught that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize one's role as an instructor or source of information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, care should be taken to avoid overuse and potential perception of arrogance by varying sentence structures. It is frequently found in news and media, and less so in scientific or formal business contexts. Rephrasing options include alternatives like "I instructed that" or "I conveyed that" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I instructed that

Replaces "taught" with "instructed", offering a more formal synonym while maintaining the same meaning.

I conveyed that

Substitutes "taught" with "conveyed", focusing on the act of communicating information.

I imparted that

Replaces "taught" with "imparted", suggesting a more deliberate act of passing on knowledge.

I explained that

Focuses on the act of making something clear and understandable.

I clarified that

Highlights the act of removing confusion and making something more precise.

I demonstrated that

Emphasizes showing how something is done, rather than just explaining it.

I showed that

A simpler alternative, focusing on the act of revealing or displaying something.

I outlined that

Focuses on providing a summary or the main points of something.

I detailed that

Indicates a thorough and comprehensive explanation.

I laid out that

Suggests a structured and organized presentation of information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I taught that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I instructed that", "I conveyed that", or "I imparted that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "I taught that" and "I learned that"?

"I taught that" indicates that you were the one providing the information or instruction, while "I learned that" indicates that you were the recipient of the information. The difference lies in the direction of knowledge transfer.

When is it appropriate to use "I taught that" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "I taught that" when you want to emphasize your role as the instructor or source of specific information, especially in contexts where your expertise or authority is relevant.

Are there any contexts where "I taught that" might sound arrogant?

In some contexts, using "I taught that" repeatedly can sound arrogant or self-important. It's important to balance asserting your knowledge with humility and consideration for your audience. Varying your language and focusing on the content rather than your role can help mitigate this.