has been learning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been learning" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used when describing an ongoing activity that has been taking place over an extended period of time. For example, "Sarah has been learning how to play guitar for the past six months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It has been learning by doing.

The New York Times

Nyaru has been learning to fast between meals.

The Guardian

"It has been learning from its mistakes," she says.

Independent

Fico has been learning to do exactly that from the time she was 10.

The New York Times - Sports

One of the single biggest savers has been learning to bake bread.

The Guardian - Money

He would like to live in Germany for a year and has been learning the language.

The Guardian - Books

Moussa has been learning how to eat and write with his left hand.

The New York Times

For the time being Adrian Stanica says the process has been "learning by doing".

Independent

"The hardest thing has been learning what our actual value was," Mr. Gumbs said.

The New York Times

Taylor said he has been learning the Nets' system by studying Deron Williams and C.J. Watson.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the sector has been learning, as research shows.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been learning" to emphasize the duration of the learning process and the progress made over time.

Common error

Avoid using "has been learning" when describing a single, completed instance of learning. Instead, use "learned" or "has learned". For example, say "She has learned to ride a bike" instead of "She has been learning to ride a bike" if she already knows how to do it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been learning" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. It indicates an action that started in the past, continues into the present, and may continue into the future. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been learning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used present perfect continuous verb phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates an ongoing process of acquiring knowledge or skills that began in the past and continues to the present. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in Formal & Business and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. While the phrase is generally versatile, it is important to avoid its use when describing a single, completed action of learning. Alternatives like "is learning", "has started learning", and "is in the process of learning" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is learning

Omits "has been", focusing on the current action of learning.

has started learning

Emphasizes the commencement of the learning process.

is in the process of learning

Formal and emphasizes the ongoing nature of learning.

is currently learning

Highlights the present time frame of the learning.

is studying

Implies a more formal or academic approach to learning.

has been studying

Similar, but emphasizes a continuous and possibly academic approach.

is acquiring knowledge of

Focuses on gaining knowledge in a specific area.

is developing skills in

Highlights the development of practical skills.

has been educated in

Indicates a formal educational process.

is being trained in

Suggests a structured training program.

FAQs

How to use "has been learning" in a sentence?

Use "has been learning" to describe an ongoing process of acquiring knowledge or skills over a period of time. For example: "He "has been learning" Spanish for six months."

What can I say instead of "has been learning"?

You can use alternatives like "is learning", "has started learning", or "is in the process of learning" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "has been learning" or "has learned"?

"Has been learning" describes an ongoing process, while "has learned" indicates a completed action. Use "has been learning" when the learning is still in progress and "has learned" when the skill or knowledge has been acquired.

What's the difference between "has been learning" and "is learning"?

"Has been learning" emphasizes the duration and progression of the learning process, while "is learning" focuses on the current action of learning. "He "has been learning" to play piano" suggests he started some time ago and is still learning. "He is learning to play piano" simply states he is currently in the process of learning.