can be learned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be learned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a skill, knowledge, or behavior is capable of being acquired through study or experience. Example: "Many programming languages can be learned through online courses and practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Skills can be learned.

The New York Times

The quiet-mind sensation can be learned.

The New York Times

Bricklaying can be learned onsite.

The Guardian

What can be learned from what happened?

The New York Times - Arts

So what can be learned from this?

The New York Times

What more can be learned now?

The Guardian

So what lessons can be learned?

The Guardian

It's a skill that can be learned.

The Guardian

What can be learned from it?

The New York Times - Sports

But in other respects much can be learned.

The New York Times

And here is what can be learned by studying them.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be learned" when emphasizing the potential for skills or knowledge to be acquired through effort and instruction. For instance: "Effective communication skills "can be learned" through practice and feedback."

Common error

Avoid using "can be learned" when referring to qualities generally considered innate or inherent. For instance, instead of saying "Creativity "can be learned"," consider emphasizing the development or expression of inherent creative potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be learned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a skill, ability, or piece of knowledge is the recipient of the action of learning. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, underscoring its adaptability and widespread recognition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be learned" is a grammatically sound and exceedingly common expression employed to denote the potential for acquiring skills or knowledge. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications. Related phrases such as "can be acquired" and "can be developed" offer nuanced alternatives. As Ludwig’s analysis confirms, mastering the effective application of "can be learned" enhances clarity and precision in writing, while avoiding its misuse ensures appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be acquired

Replaces 'learned' with 'acquired', emphasizing the gaining of something.

can be developed

Focuses on the growth and improvement aspect of learning.

can be mastered

Implies a higher level of proficiency than simply learning.

can be cultivated

Suggests a more deliberate and nurturing approach to learning.

is teachable

Shifts the focus to the ability to be taught rather than learned.

can be trained

Highlights the aspect of practical training and skill development.

can be picked up

Emphasizes informal or incidental learning.

is attainable

Focuses on the achievability of the learning outcome.

can be grasped

Emphasizes understanding and comprehension.

is understandable

Highlights the accessibility and comprehensibility of the information.

FAQs

How do I use "can be learned" in a sentence?

Use "can be learned" to indicate that a skill, ability, or concept is acquirable through study, practice, or experience. Example: "Coding "can be learned" through online courses and dedicated practice."

What are some alternatives to "can be learned"?

You can use alternatives such as "can be acquired", "can be developed", or "is teachable" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can be learnt" instead of "can be learned"?

Yes, "can be learnt" is a grammatically correct alternative, particularly in British English. Both "learned" and "learnt" are past participles of 'learn', but 'learnt' is more common in British English, while 'learned' is more common in American English.

What's the difference between "can be learned" and "is learnable"?

"Can be learned" is a more common and versatile phrase used to express the possibility of acquiring knowledge or skills. "Is learnable" is also correct but less frequently used and implies a characteristic of something being capable of being learned. For example, “This skill "can be learned" quickly” versus “This concept is "learnable" with focused study.”