I took up learning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I took up learning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that you have started to learn something new or have taken on the activity of learning. Example: "After years of working in finance, I took up learning the guitar as a new hobby."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gillian retired in 2008 but took up learning the cello in 2011, and was a committed dog lover.

The Guardian

Our tender Enquiries taking up Learning at large, and together with true and assured notions, receiving many, wherein our reviewing judgments do find no satisfaction.

University of Chicago

In my 60s I took up knitting and crocheting and am now learning Spanish.

The New York Times - Health

He decided at an early age to become a journalist and, at 18, took up photography, learning by trial and error.

The Washington Post

Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the 157 Group, says: "We have seen, over the years, clear and increasing evidence that Adult Learners' Week inspires more people to take up learning".

The Guardian

The fact that the patient cases are patient-centred and based on the family physicians' real-life experiences highly increase the level of motivation to take up learning.

BMC Medical Education

Ms. Thornton, whose original name was Shirley Enid Avery, took up jazz instead, learning to sing and play the piano.

The New York Times

But around the time he took up tennis, he learned to ride a bicycle.

The New Yorker

The poem was more than thirty lines long and included these four: He took up golf And learned with tears, And used one ball For fifteen years.

The New Yorker

It just made me stronger than I already was". The gangly kid from Watford, who only took up boxing at 18, learned fast and learned well.

BBC

Hart: I'm from New Orleans and I came up learning in church, taking classical lessons and playing jazz.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I took up learning" when you want to emphasize not just starting to learn, but also adopting learning as a new activity or hobby.

Common error

Avoid using "I took up learning" if you simply want to state that you started to learn something. This phrase often implies a more active decision to embrace learning as a new endeavor or habit. In many situations, "I started learning" will suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I took up learning" functions as a statement of action, indicating the speaker's conscious decision to start learning. As seen in Ludwig, the expression indicates starting a new hobby.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I took up learning" is grammatically sound and serves to express that someone has embraced learning as a new activity or hobby. Although the phrase is correct it is not widely used in most contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase functions to communicate a deliberate decision to engage in learning, as validated by the neutral register in various sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started learning

This alternative uses a more common and straightforward verb, 'started', to indicate the beginning of the learning process.

I began learning

Similar to 'started learning', this option employs 'began' to denote the initiation of learning, carrying a slightly more formal tone.

I commenced learning

Using 'commenced' gives a more formal and official tone to the start of learning.

I initiated learning

This phrase provides a formal way of expressing the start of learning something.

I embarked on learning

This option uses 'embarked' to highlight the adventurous or committed nature of beginning to learn.

I undertook learning

Undertook' suggests a deliberate and planned approach to learning, implying a more serious commitment.

I dived into learning

This expresses an enthusiastic and immersive start to the learning process.

I immersed myself in learning

This option emphasizes a complete and thorough involvement in the learning experience from the beginning.

I set about learning

Implies a focused and intentional start to the learning process.

I applied myself to learning

This suggests dedication and effort are being invested in starting to learn.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I took up learning"?

You can use alternatives like "I started learning", "I began learning", or "I undertook learning" depending on the context.

Is "I took up learning" formal or informal?

The phrase "I took up learning" is generally considered neutral. While not overly formal, it implies a conscious decision to embrace learning as an activity. More formal alternatives include "I commenced learning" or "I initiated learning".

What does "I took up learning" imply?

It suggests that you have not only begun to learn something, but also that you have embraced learning as a new hobby or activity. It's more than just starting a course; it's adopting learning into your life.

When is it appropriate to use "I took up learning"?

Use it when you want to emphasize the intentional act of embracing learning as a new pursuit, hobby, or activity. For instance, "After retiring, "I took up learning" a new language to keep my mind active."