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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
high learning curve
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"high learning curve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that involves a steep slope to acquiring knowledge or skill. For example: "The new software has a high learning curve, so it takes some time to get used to it."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
19 human-written examples
It used to make sense to assume that, once a domestic business owned material assets, it wouldn't need a very high learning curve before it was working more or less profitably.
News & Media
Mr. Schappert said that much remains to be discovered about coding for the Play Station 2, which is known for its high learning curve but allows a level of control for the programmer beyond that offered by Nintendo's and Microsoft's programming.
News & Media
You are considered a newbie with a high learning curve.
News & Media
There's a pretty high learning curve with that".
News & Media
To be honest, I was expecting a dismal, bare Linux interface that would have a high learning curve.
News & Media
Some tools to help noobs exist (Jesse created a camera config program, for example) as creators want to encourage people to make mixed reality at home, but it can be a high learning curve.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
41 human-written examples
With BPS exploiting the learning curve effects, the decision model suggests higher BPS levels for higher learning curve parameters.
Science
They have higher learning curve but you can do much more with them.
Wiki
Trost said his high-tech learning curve ended in the 1960s with his mastery of the mimeograph machine.
News & Media
Our markets are complex, and don't work the same way as the Western markets; barriers to entry are relatively high and the learning curve for the Western marketers is not steep, it is nearly vertical.
News & Media
The lower values tend to be reported by studies at their earliest phases and they therefore probably represent results taken from "high on the learning curve".
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing the difficulty of learning a new skill or technology, use "high learning curve" to clearly convey that significant effort and time are required to become proficient. For example, "This software has a "high learning curve", so allocate ample time for training."
Common error
Avoid using "high learning curve" interchangeably with general difficulty. A "high learning curve" specifically refers to the initial effort required to understand or use something, not necessarily its long-term complexity. For example, while quantum physics is generally difficult, using a simple calculator might have a "high learning curve" for someone unfamiliar with basic math functions.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "high learning curve" functions as a descriptive term. It quantifies the difficulty and initial effort involved in acquiring a new skill or understanding a complex concept. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to characterize processes or systems that require significant upfront investment in learning.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
13%
Less common in
Formal & Business
4%
Academia
4%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "high learning curve" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that requires a significant initial effort to learn. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "steep learning curve" exist, "high learning curve" effectively conveys the idea of needing considerable time and dedication to master a new skill or concept. When using this phrase, remember that it focuses on the initial learning phase, not necessarily the overall difficulty.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
steep learning curve
Emphasizes the rapid and significant effort needed for initial learning.
challenging learning process
Highlights the difficulty involved in acquiring new knowledge.
difficult to master
Focuses on the complexity and skill required to achieve proficiency.
demanding training period
Stresses the intensity and rigor of the training involved.
extensive onboarding process
Refers specifically to the comprehensive training needed when starting something new.
significant initial investment of time
Highlights the time commitment required at the beginning.
requires considerable expertise
Focuses on the level of skill needed to succeed.
complex skill acquisition
Emphasizes the multifaceted nature of learning.
laborious familiarization stage
Highlights the effort and work involved in getting acquainted with something new.
protracted period of study
Stresses the lengthy time required for learning.
FAQs
How can I use "high learning curve" in a sentence?
You can use "high learning curve" to describe something that requires a significant amount of initial effort and time to learn. For example, "The new software has a "high learning curve", but once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier to use."
What's the difference between a "steep learning curve" and a "high learning curve"?
While both terms are often used interchangeably, "steep learning curve" /s/steep+learning+curve emphasizes the rapid and significant effort needed for initial learning, while "high learning curve" simply indicates that a considerable amount of learning is required.
What can I say instead of "high learning curve"?
You can use alternatives like "challenging learning process", "difficult to master", or "demanding training period" depending on the specific context.
Is it correct to say something has "no learning curve"?
Yes, saying something has "no learning curve" implies it's very easy to understand and use right away, requiring minimal or no initial training.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested