being able to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the capability or capacity to acquire knowledge or skills. Example: "One of the most important qualities in a successful employee is being able to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The silicon sultans have the advantage of being able to learn from their predecessors' mistakes.

The Economist

"The main help for me was in being able to learn flexibly.

The Guardian

"The thing for me is being able to learn from a national-team keeper," Reese said.

The New York Times - Sports

SPEAKER 9: And being able to learn from that, learn from that diversity.

Cornell University

Humans excel when dealing with everyday manipulation tasks, being able to learn new skills, and to adapt to different complex environments.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

My greatest regret... is not passing my maths O-Level and therefore not being able to learn to fly a plane.

Independent

"Most corporate managers also like being able to learn what interests their shareholders so they can respond before decisions are made.

The New York Times

"My natural posture was, 'I'm an empty vessel, and they can fill me.' The minute at which you stop being able to learn is the end, I think".

The New Yorker

An NHS that is rooted in openness, honesty and the general principle of being able to learn from its mistakes is vital.

The Guardian

"That's probably a more successful skill for life than being able to learn a lot, but not being able to face life unless perfectly prepared".

The Guardian

"Exposure to this neonicotinoid seems to prevent bees from being able to learn essential skills," said Nigel Raine, a professor at the University of Guelph, Canada.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being able to learn" to highlight the continuous process and adaptability required in various contexts, such as professional development or personal growth.

Common error

Avoid implying that "being able to learn" is solely about inherent talent; emphasize the importance of effort, environment, and available resources in facilitating learning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to learn" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the action or state of acquiring knowledge or skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being able to learn" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the capacity and process of acquiring new knowledge or skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed correct, as it serves as the subject or object within sentences, spanning neutral to formal registers. Common contexts include news, science, and academic discourse, highlighting its relevance across diverse fields. When using this phrase, focus on emphasizing the ongoing process, rather than just innate ability, and consider alternatives like "capable of learning" or "having the capacity to learn" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the capacity to learn

Focuses on innate potential rather than active ability.

possessing the skill to learn

Emphasizes skill development alongside the ability to learn.

capable of learning

Highlights inherent capability or suitability for learning.

in a position to learn

Indicates a situation that enables learning.

having an opportunity to learn

Stresses the availability of chances for learning.

with the aptitude to learn

Points to a natural inclination and talent for learning.

able to acquire knowledge

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge specifically.

in a state to learn

Describes the condition that allows learning.

prepared to learn

Highlights readiness and willingness to learn.

with the potential to learn

Focuses on unrealized capacity for learning.

FAQs

How can I use "being able to learn" in a sentence?

You can use "being able to learn" to describe someone's capacity to acquire new skills or knowledge, as in, "One of the most valuable assets an employee can have is "being able to learn" quickly."

What are some alternatives to "being able to learn"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "having the capacity to learn", "capable of learning", or "possessing the skill to learn".

Is there a difference between "being able to learn" and "having the ability to learn"?

While both phrases are similar, "being able to learn" often implies a continuous process or current state, while "having the ability to learn" may refer to an inherent trait or potential. The phrase "having the ability to learn" places emphasis on an existing trait.

Which is more appropriate, "being able to learn" or "able to learn"?

"Being able to learn" emphasizes the continuous action or process of learning, while "able to learn" simply states the capacity. Depending on your intended emphasis, both are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, but use "able to learn" when talking about general capacity.