a fast learner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fast learner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is quick to learn new skills or concepts. For example, "Max is a fast learner; he picked up the new software quickly and was using it like a pro within a matter of days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's a fast learner".

The New York Times

And he's a fast learner".

The New Yorker

"I am a fast learner.

The New Yorker

Well, he's a fast learner.

The Guardian - Sport

He was a fast learner.

The New York Times - Arts

But she will be a fast learner.

The New York Times - Books

"You were smart and a fast learner".

The New York Times

Second, Obama is a fast learner.

The New York Times

But Mr. Casey was a fast learner.

The New York Times

He's a fast learner, an avid learner.

The New York Times

"You're a fast learner and have combined counting and history.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a fast learner", provide specific examples of their learning agility to strengthen your statement. For instance, mention a particular skill they mastered quickly or a challenging task they learned to perform efficiently.

Common error

Don't simply state someone is "a fast learner" without providing context or evidence. This can come across as a generic compliment and lacks impact. Instead, illustrate their rapid learning with concrete instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fast learner" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically used to characterize an individual's learning ability. It often appears as a complement following a linking verb such as is, are, or seems, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fast learner" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile descriptor used to commend an individual's ability to quickly grasp new concepts and skills. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from professional evaluations to casual conversations. Its frequency and presence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its widespread acceptance. While alternatives such as "quick study" or "adept at learning" exist, "a fast learner" remains a straightforward and effective way to highlight someone's learning capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Quick study

Focuses on the speed of comprehension and application of new information.

Adept at learning

Highlights skillfulness and proficiency in acquiring new knowledge.

Learns quickly

Emphasizes the speed of learning as a characteristic.

Fast at picking things up

Informal way of saying someone learns quickly through observation and practice.

Good at grasping concepts

Highlights the ability to understand complex ideas readily.

A natural

Suggests innate talent and ease in acquiring skills without difficulty.

Sharp

Implies intelligence and quick understanding.

Bright

Suggests intelligence and quickness of understanding.

Receptive to new ideas

Emphasizes willingness and openness to learn new things.

A quick study in

Indicates rapid learning within a specific subject or field.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a fast learner" in a sentence?

Use "a fast learner" to highlight someone's ability to quickly acquire and apply new knowledge or skills. For instance, "She is "a fast learner", mastering complex software in just a few days."

What are some alternative phrases to "a fast learner" that I can use?

You can use alternatives such as "quick study", "adept at learning", or "learns quickly" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is there a difference between "a fast learner" and "a quick learner"?

While both phrases are similar, "a fast learner" emphasizes the speed of learning, while "a quick learner" can also imply ease and efficiency in understanding new concepts.

What makes someone "a fast learner" in a professional context?

In a professional context, being "a fast learner" means one can quickly adapt to new technologies, understand company processes, and efficiently acquire the skills needed to perform their job effectively, contributing to the company's growth.