first learning about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first learning about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial moment or experience of gaining knowledge or awareness about a particular subject or topic. Example: "I remember the excitement of first learning about the solar system in school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Your correspondent remembers first learning about Hammurabi's code of laws from the original "Civilization", way back in 1991.

The Economist

"When a small child is first learning about the world, to have exaggerated features is incredibly disquieting.

The Guardian

WHEN I was first learning about wine in the late 1970s, people had a word for Pouilly-Fuissé.

The New York Times

But he kept that part to himself because he didn't want their families first learning about it on TV.

The Washington Post

He said he would probably sit out the 2013 mayoral race but run in a later election, after first learning about the job.

The New York Times

Last week, Ms. Philo, who is English, arrived in New York to visit Bergdorf Goodman for her first trunk show, a ritual she regarded with the curiosity of someone first learning about the mating habits of rare Arctic creatures.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The survey asked respondents how they first learned about and how they learned the most about SCALE-UP.

International Journal of STEM Education

First, learn about sexual identity.

WikiHow

How did you first learn about it?

The New Yorker

First, learn about the illness.

The New York Times - Health

Where they first learn about a home?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first learning about", provide context to clarify what sparked this initial learning experience. For example, "I remember first learning about astrophysics after watching a documentary."

Common error

Avoid using "first learning about" when describing advanced or in-depth knowledge. This phrase is best suited for referring to the introductory stages of understanding a topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first learning about" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of a learning process. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is grammatically correct and usable in English, often introducing a recollection or a starting point in understanding a subject. Examples show its use in various narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first learning about" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing the initial stages of acquiring knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. To effectively use "first learning about", clearly indicate the subject and context of the initial learning experience. Avoid using it when describing advanced knowledge; instead, reserve it for introductory moments. Alternatives include "initially discovering" or "first understanding", depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first discovering

Synonymous, but places emphasis on the first instance of discovery.

initially discovering

Focuses on the act of discovery at the beginning of the learning process.

first understanding

Emphasizes the first instance of gaining comprehension.

initially understanding

Highlights the aspect of gaining comprehension from the start.

first becoming aware of

Stresses the point at which awareness begins.

initially becoming aware of

Shifts the focus to the gradual process of becoming conscious of something.

first encountering

Highlights the initial experience or exposure to something new.

initially exploring

Emphasizes the exploratory aspect of early learning.

beginning to learn about

Describes the start of a more protracted process of acquiring knowledge.

first exposure to

Focuses on the initial experience to something new.

FAQs

How can I use "first learning about" in a sentence?

You can use "first learning about" to describe your initial exposure to a topic. For instance, "I remember "first learning about quantum physics" in college".

What are some alternatives to "first learning about"?

Alternatives include "initially discovering", "first understanding", or "first becoming aware of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "first learned about" instead of "first learning about"?

Both "first learned about" and "first learning about" can be grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "First learned about" refers to a completed action in the past, while "first learning about" emphasizes the process of initial discovery.

What's the difference between "first learning about" and "later learning about"?

"First learning about" refers to the beginning of your knowledge on a subject, while "later learning about" indicates subsequent discoveries or deeper understanding gained after the initial exposure.