could be learnt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be learnt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible to learn or acquire knowledge about in the future. Example: "Many skills could be learnt through practice and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

What could be learnt from Konstantin Stanislavsky and Yevgeny Vakhtangov?

The Guardian

A lot could be learnt from the US, which had decreased childhood obesity.

The Guardian

Mr Darling said the government would "look at whatever lessons" could be learnt from the crash.

The Guardian

There are, after all, already NHS institutions which operate very well at the weekend, from which much could be learnt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Outlining where lessons could be learnt from big business, Sir Bruce challenged the NHS to put junior doctors into leading roles.

Independent

A second report, by Dame Colette Bowe, was published alongside Sir Peter's, concentrating on the lessons that could be learnt from mistakes made in structuring CP5.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

That, I think, could be learned".

The New Yorker

Time when you could be learning French.

The Guardian

The languages of law enforcement could be learned.

The New Yorker

"We could be learning from them," he added.

The New York Times - Science

A report was commissioned to review what lessons could be learned.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be learnt", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific knowledge, skills, or lessons are being referred to.

Common error

Avoid using "could be learnt" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "Valuable lessons could be learnt from this experience", consider "We could learn valuable lessons from this experience".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be learnt" functions as a passive modal construction, expressing the possibility of acquiring knowledge or skills. It is commonly used to indicate that lessons, skills, or information can be gained from a particular situation or source. Ludwig confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be learnt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the potential for gaining knowledge or skills, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears primarily in scientific and news media contexts. While interchangeable with "could be learned", "learnt" is more common in British English. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific knowledge or skills in question and consider whether the active voice might offer a more direct and impactful statement. Ludwig AI validates its usage across a spectrum of reliable sources, reinforcing its acceptability in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be learned

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly different spelling convention (learned vs learnt).

can be learnt

Uses "can" instead of "could", indicating a general possibility rather than a conditional one.

could be acquired

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge or skills, rather than the learning process itself.

can be learned

Uses "can" instead of "could" and learned instead of learnt, indicating a general possibility rather than a conditional one.

could be understood

Emphasizes comprehension rather than the process of learning.

could be grasped

Suggests a quick or intuitive understanding.

lessons could be extracted

Focuses on extracting specific lessons or insights.

could be mastered

Implies a high level of proficiency achieved through learning.

insights could be gained

Highlights the gaining of insights or understanding.

knowledge could be obtained

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "could be learnt" in a sentence?

You can use "could be learnt" to indicate that something is possible to learn or acquire knowledge about in the future. For example, "Many skills "could be learnt" through practice and dedication".

What are some alternatives to "could be learnt"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be learned", "could be acquired", or "could be understood depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "could be learnt" and "could be learned"?

"Could be learnt" and "could be learned" are both grammatically correct, with "learnt" being more common in British English and "learned" being more common in American English. The meaning is the same.

What does "could be learnt" imply?

The phrase ""could be learnt"" suggests a possibility or potential for acquiring knowledge or skills. It implies that learning is feasible or achievable under certain conditions.