initially learned about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initially learned about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first time someone became aware of or acquired knowledge regarding a particular subject or topic. Example: "I initially learned about the concept of renewable energy during a high school science class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers initially learned about the Ramoses' slavery operation through its worker network.

The New Yorker

I initially learned about the position by speaking with Charlotte Greene at Columbia University's Sustainability Career Fair.

Columbia University

I initially learned about patent law as a career option from my first-year laboratory rotation adviser at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Science Magazine

And while moms may have initially learned about social media to monitor on our kids' internet use, we quickly found that blogs and other social media platforms allowed us to make connections with other moms.

Forbes

"Looking deeper into jungle samples is how I initially learned about reggae/dancehall, dub, and soundsystem culture in general, which is the foundation that Outlook Festival and Dub-Stuy are built on.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And Teach for America, the nonprofit teaching program, adopted the policy earlier this month after initially learning about it on Bucks, the personal finance blog on The New York Times Web site, which has been singling out the companies that gross up and those that do not — the New York Times Company among them.

The New York Times

How did you initially learn about SiBEAM and what excited you about the company?

Forbes

However, after initially learning about HA and what it entails, described by one participant as it is "in and out nature", more than half (7/10) are now considering seeking experience in development based aid work.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Both websites invite me to take a quiz to initially learn about me and what I came for so that they can present the best options based on my answers.

Forbes

Years after initially learning about him I couldn't have told you exactly what he did, but I never forgot that he could compromise to beat the band.

Huffington Post

As the Global Network suggests, WHO will likely initially learn about major infectious disease events through sources other than member-state notifications.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initially learned about", ensure that you clearly state the source or method through which the knowledge was acquired to provide context and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "initially learned about" without mentioning where or from whom the information was obtained. This omission can leave the reader wondering about the reliability or validity of the information. For example, instead of saying "I initially learned about it", specify "I initially learned about it from a research paper".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initially learned about" functions as a verbal phrase that indicates the beginning of knowledge acquisition. It specifies the point at which someone first gained information or understanding of a particular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initially learned about" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating the commencement of one's knowledge on a particular subject. Ludwig highlights its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, its usage is found in diverse contexts, including news, academic, and scientific domains. Remember to specify the source of the initial learning for enhanced clarity and credibility. Alternatives such as "first discovered" or "first became aware of" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first discovered

Emphasizes the act of finding out something for the first time.

first became aware of

Highlights the initial moment of gaining consciousness or knowledge about something.

originally found out about

Indicates the origin of the information acquired.

initially became acquainted with

Focuses on the early stages of getting to know something.

primarily came to know about

Highlights the main way someone learned about something.

began to understand

Emphasizes the process of developing an understanding from the beginning.

started learning about

Focuses on the commencement of the learning process itself.

early exposure to

Emphasizes the context of early experience in gaining knowledge.

first exposure to

Emphasizes the context of initial experience in gaining knowledge.

was introduced to

Highlights the act of being presented with new information.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "initially learned about"?

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

How to use "initially learned about" in a sentence?

Use "initially learned about" to describe the first time you gained knowledge on a topic. For example, "I initially learned about climate change in my environmental science class."

Is it correct to say "initially learned of" instead of "initially learned about"?

While "initially learned of" is grammatically correct, "initially learned about" is more commonly used and generally preferred when discussing a topic or concept.

What's the difference between "initially learned about" and "later discovered"?

"Initially learned about" refers to the first time you gained knowledge, while "later discovered" implies a deeper or more comprehensive understanding gained at a subsequent time.