be taught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be taught' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular knowledge or skill that is being acquired by someone. For example: "She wanted to learn Spanish, so she decided to enrol in a class to be taught the language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can he be taught?

The New York Times - Books

Can it be taught?

The New Yorker

Can art be taught?

The New Yorker

It cannot be taught.

The New Yorker

Great writing can't be taught.

The New York Times

Technical skills can be taught.

The New York Times

But that can be taught".

The New York Times - Sports

"He wants to be taught".

The New York Times - Sports

Can entrepreneurs be taught?

Harvard Business Review

It can't be taught.

The New Yorker

They must be taught.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be taught" to emphasize the role of the instructor or teaching method in the learning process. For example, "The students will be taught using interactive simulations."

Common error

Avoid using "be taught by themselves" when the learning is self-directed. Instead, use "learn independently" or "self-study". The phrase "be taught" implies an external instructor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be taught" functions as a passive voice construction, where the subject receives the action of teaching. Ludwig AI highlights its use in conveying the transfer of knowledge or skills. Examples show its common usage in contexts where instruction or education is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be taught" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as a passive construction, emphasizing the receiving of instruction and is commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, remember to use "be taught" when you want to highlight the teaching process and the role of the instructor. Be mindful of using it correctly in passive voice constructions, and consider related phrases like "receive instruction" or "be trained in" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive instruction

Emphasizes the act of getting formal teaching.

be trained in

Focuses on practical skills and techniques learned through instruction.

be educated in

Highlights a broader, more formal learning process in a specific field.

be coached in

Suggests a more personalized and mentoring style of teaching.

undergo instruction

Stresses the process of experiencing a course of teaching.

be schooled in

Implies a more traditional or formal educational setting.

be given lessons

Highlights the provision of specific learning sessions.

acquire knowledge

Focuses on the outcome of learning rather than the teaching process itself.

gain proficiency

Emphasizes the development of expertise through learning.

be enlightened about

Highlights the process of gaining insight or understanding about a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "be taught" in a sentence?

You can use "be taught" to indicate that someone is receiving instruction. For example, "Children should be taught about their rights", or "Skills can be taught".

What can I say instead of "be taught"?

Alternatives include "receive instruction", "be educated in", or "be trained in" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "be taught" or "being taught"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "Be taught" indicates a general possibility or expectation of instruction. "Being taught" indicates an ongoing process of instruction. For example, "He wants to be taught", versus "He is being taught now".

Is it better to use "learn" or "be taught"?

Use "be taught" when you want to emphasize the role of an instructor or the method of teaching. Use "learn" when you want to emphasize the student's effort or the outcome of the learning process. For example, "Entrepreneurship can "be taught"", versus "Students learn best through hands-on experience".