learn on the run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "learn on the run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of acquiring knowledge or skills while actively engaged in other tasks or while moving, often in a fast-paced environment. Example: "In today's fast-paced work environment, many employees have to learn on the run to keep up with new technologies and processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Players have to be able to perform under pressure and learn on the run, fixing what they need to next time".

The Guardian - Sport

Some see a strong potential answer for the future, so smart and strong and big, and a kid who will learn on the run.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've learned some lessons about coaching Leeds this year – I've had to learn on the run with them," says the 41-year-old, who had spent the previous five seasons coping with a very different set of challenges at Harlequins under much less scrutiny in Super League's London outpost.

The Guardian - Sport

LinkedIn Lynda: If you subscribe to Lynda for anytime, anywhere learning, you can access your account and learn on the run with the Lynda app.

Forbes

Elsewhere in the Pacific League, Hoover Coach Jack Sallakian can't even get a No. 4 runner, as he only has three on the varsity squad, while Glendale Coach Bob Bailey has a young squad that must learn on the run.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They're going to be learning on the run, and we'll be better for it".

The New York Times - Sports

With new head coaches, new coordinators, new assistants, new schemes and new players on both sides, the Jets and the Patriots are in the same boat: to produce while learning on the run, to curb the learning process.

The New York Times - Sports

"Part of the issue is we're playing new guys and a lot of guys are getting baptism under fire and we're learning on the run," Kelly said.

Los Angeles Times

Throughout his ordeals, we see Zamperini flashing back to lessons learned on the running track – breaking through the physical barriers, keeping something in reserve for the final stretch, remembering that a moment of pain can earn a lifetime of glory, and so on.

The Guardian - Film

You're agreeing to not tell anyone about what you learn on the job, including how their processes run, who their customers are and anything else that's not in their public filings.

BBC

But then GetYourGuide grew out of a student project and the young, first-time founders were effectively learning on the job — with running a startup doubling as their defacto MBA.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "learn on the run" when you want to emphasize the dynamic and fast-paced nature of acquiring new knowledge or skills while actively engaged in other tasks. It's suitable for situations where formal training is not immediately available or practical.

Common error

Avoid using "learn on the run" when a more structured or formal learning environment is available or expected. This phrase implies a necessity for quick adaptation rather than a preference for informal learning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "learn on the run" functions as a verb phrase acting as a description of how someone acquires new skills or knowledge. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct, with examples showing its use in contexts involving adapting to changing situations or pressures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "learn on the run" is a grammatically correct phrase that means acquiring knowledge or skills while actively engaged in other tasks, typically in a fast-paced setting. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's a relatively rare expression, predominantly used in news and media. It suits neutral to informal contexts, emphasizing quick adaptation and immediate application. Alternatives include "learn as you go" or "pick up skills on the fly", but it's best to avoid it in highly formal writing. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the need for rapid knowledge acquisition rather than implying a lack of structured learning opportunities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learn as you go

This alternative conveys the same concept of learning during the process, but it's more general and less suggestive of speed or pressure.

pick up skills on the fly

This phrase emphasizes the acquisition of skills quickly and efficiently, often in response to immediate needs.

acquire knowledge in real time

This is a more formal way of expressing immediate learning, highlighting the synchronous nature of knowledge acquisition.

learn by doing

This phrase emphasizes the experiential aspect of learning, highlighting the practical application of knowledge.

gain expertise through experience

This emphasizes a slower process of accumulating knowledge. It's less about instant adaptation and more about long-term development.

learn under pressure

Highlights the stress under which someone has to learn new information, which is not always a feature of the original phrase.

adapt and learn quickly

Focuses on ability to adjust, which is not always implied in the original phrase.

self-teach during the task

Emphasizes independence in the learning process.

improvise knowledge

Highlights the immediate need to generate solutions on-the-spot.

assimilate information rapidly

Stresses the speed of understanding new details or concepts.

FAQs

What does "learn on the run" mean?

The phrase "learn on the run" means acquiring knowledge or skills while actively engaged in other tasks or while moving, often in a fast-paced environment. It implies a need to learn quickly and adapt to new situations without formal training.

What can I say instead of "learn on the run"?

You can use alternatives like "learn as you go", "pick up skills on the fly", or "acquire knowledge in real time" depending on the context.

Is "learn on the run" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "learn on the run" might be too informal for some formal writing contexts. In those cases, consider using more formal alternatives such as "acquire knowledge in real time" or "gain expertise through experience".

How does "learn on the run" differ from "learn by doing"?

"Learn by doing" emphasizes the experiential aspect of learning, whereas "learn on the run" focuses on the speed and urgency of acquiring knowledge in a dynamic environment. The former is about learning through practice, while the latter is about adapting and learning quickly when there is an immediate need.