first learnt about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first learnt about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial time someone became aware of a particular subject or piece of information. Example: "I first learnt about the theory of relativity in high school during a physics class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

One senior solver said he first learnt about the code when he was in the Scouts about seventy years ago.

The Guardian

I first learnt about Japan's yakuza when I started reporting on organised crime for the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan's largest newspaper, in 1994.

Independent

Working in teams over several weeks, they first learnt about the history of education, the concepts behind education and the skills of an architect.

The Guardian

By the 1990s, groups such as 2600 (its name refers to a blue box frequency) held meetings in cities; Coldfire told me he first learnt about phone hacking through a 2600 city meet.

The Guardian - Tech

In the late afternoon, having helped pack the Hama Pearl 11 at nearby Ski Beach, Melbourne-born Strunin explains how he first learnt about Djalu from a friend in London who was organising the Yolngu man's tour of Britain and continental Europe in 2009.

The Guardian

When I first learnt about this," she says, "I was honestly horrified — the mere thought that human beings would set about creating machines that they can set loose to kill other human beings, I find repulsive".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

First learnt of your kidney problem?

The Guardian - Sport

In a civil suit, the men claimed that rabbis first learnt Kolko was a serial molester back in the 1980s.

The Guardian

BBC reporter Andrew North visited Shivaji Park, where Tendulkar first learnt how to play cricket.

BBC

"I keep telling the students that when they've finished their first robot, they've learnt about electronics, they learnt about logical thinking, they've learnt about programming, mechanics, you've learnt a bit about biology, you've learnt popular science".

BBC

Among responders at first login most have learnt about the e-learning programme from written material (41%) or from the internet (44%).

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first learnt about", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific subject or topic that was initially encountered. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when discussing the initial learning experience. For example, don't start with "I first learnt about X" and then switch to "I am now an expert". Maintain consistency in the past tense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first learnt about" functions as a marker of initial knowledge acquisition. It indicates the beginning of someone's understanding of a specific topic, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first learnt about" is used to describe the initial moment of gaining knowledge on a particular subject. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, particularly in British English, and is found in various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While considered uncommon in frequency, it effectively conveys the starting point of understanding. Alternatives include "initially discovered" and "first became aware of". When using the phrase, ensure clarity and maintain consistent tense. Ludwig's analysis confirms its appropriate usage across different registers and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something out for the first time.

first became aware of

Highlights the beginning of awareness or consciousness about something.

initially found out about

Emphasizes the process of gaining information.

first encountered

Implies a direct experience or confrontation with something new.

first gained knowledge of

Emphasizes the acquisition of understanding or expertise.

initially understood

Focuses on the moment comprehension began.

first appreciated

Suggests an initial understanding of value or importance.

first realized

Emphasizes the moment of sudden understanding or insight.

first grasped the concept of

Implies an initial understanding of an abstract idea.

was first introduced to

Highlights the moment of being presented with new information or experience.

FAQs

What does "first learnt about" mean?

It means to have initially gained knowledge or awareness of something. It emphasizes the starting point of understanding a particular subject or concept.

Is "first learnt about" grammatically correct?

Yes, "first learnt about" is grammatically correct, especially in British English. It indicates the initial acquisition of knowledge.

What can I say instead of "first learnt about"?

You can use alternatives like "initially discovered", "first became aware of", or "initially found out about" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "first learnt about" or "first learned about"?

"First learnt about" is more common in British English, while "first learned about" is more common in American English. Both are grammatically correct, but usage varies by region.