can learn from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can learn from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to gain knowledge or insights from someone or something. Example: "Students can learn from their mistakes to improve their future performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Writers can learn from painters.

The New Yorker

H.P. can learn from its progeny.

The New York Times

"But we can learn from it".

The New York Times - Arts

Hopefully, it can learn from it.

The Economist

They can learn from its example.

The Economist

The Home Secretary can learn from this.

Independent

All of us can learn from that.

The New York Times - Books

HUMAN beings can learn from the past.

The Economist

We can learn from his solutions.

The New York Times

We can learn from everywhere.

The New York Times

You can learn from anything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "derive insights from" or "draw lessons from" for a more nuanced expression.

Common error

Avoid using "can learn from" repeatedly within a short passage. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, diversify your language with synonyms or rephrase sentences to convey the same meaning more elegantly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can learn from" functions as a verb phrase indicating the potential to acquire knowledge, skills, or insights. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used across various contexts to express the possibility of improvement or understanding through a specific source.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can learn from" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the ability to gain knowledge or insights from a particular source. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is valuable to remember, it's always advisable to vary your phrasing for clarity and elegance. Common alternatives include "can gain knowledge from" and "can derive insights from". Avoid overuse in close proximity to maintain the flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can gain knowledge from

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge as a result of observation or study.

can derive insights from

Focuses on obtaining deeper understandings or perspectives.

can benefit from

Highlights the positive outcomes or advantages gained through learning.

can draw lessons from

Specifically refers to extracting valuable lessons or morals from events.

can take instruction from

Implies a more formal or directed learning process.

can get guidance from

Suggests receiving advice or direction from a source.

can glean information from

Emphasizes the process of gathering information, often from various sources.

can gather wisdom from

Suggests acquiring a deeper level of understanding and insight over time.

can be educated by

Focuses on the act of being taught or informed by someone or something.

can study

This is a more general phrase, suggesting that something or someone can be studied to gain more information about them

FAQs

What does "can learn from" mean?

The phrase "can learn from" indicates the ability to acquire knowledge, skills, or insights through experience, observation, or instruction. It suggests that improvement or understanding is possible by studying or emulating a particular source.

How to use "can learn from" in a sentence?

Use "can learn from" to show the potential for gaining knowledge or improving performance through a specific source. Example: "Students "can learn from" their mistakes to improve their future performance."

What can I say instead of "can learn from"?

You can use alternatives like "can gain knowledge from", "can derive insights from", or "can benefit from" depending on the specific context.

Is "can learn from" formal or informal?

"Can learn from" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "can derive lessons from" to enhance the tone.