learn that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "learn that" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has gained new knowledge or understanding about a particular topic. Here is an example: "I was surprised to learn that she had been studying French for years without ever mentioning it to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You learn that stuff".

Independent

You must learn that lesson.

The New Yorker

Where did you learn that?

The New Yorker

Did you learn that?

University of California, Berkeley

And I had to learn that technique.

The New Yorker

You have to learn that stuff again".

The New York Times - Sports

What did you learn that surprised you?

The New Yorker

"Unfortunately, rulers didn't learn that lesson.

The New York Times

You can't learn that stuff".

The New York Times

The message: learn that lesson.

BBC

Hopefully he continues to learn that way".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "discover that" or "realize that" to avoid repetition and enhance the readability of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "learn that" when referring to hypothetical situations or future possibilities. Instead, use phrases like "will learn" or "would learn" to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "learn that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It indicates the acquisition of knowledge or understanding about a specific fact or situation. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used to report something new that has been discovered or understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

27%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "learn that" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce newly acquired information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid using "learn that" in hypothetical scenarios, opting instead for "will learn" or "would learn". By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively integrate "learn that" into your writing to enhance clarity and convey information with precision. Remember to also consider synonyms like ""discover that"" or "realize that" to add variety to your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discover that

Emphasizes the act of finding something out, often unexpectedly.

realize that

Focuses on becoming aware of something, often implying a shift in understanding.

find out that

Highlights the process of obtaining information, suggesting an active search or inquiry.

understand that

Stresses comprehension and grasping the meaning of something.

come to understand that

Indicates a gradual process of gaining understanding over time.

recognize that

Implies acknowledging or identifying something previously unnoticed.

become aware that

Highlights the gaining of awareness, often of a previously unknown fact or situation.

ascertain that

Suggests a formal or methodical process of finding something out for certain.

gather that

Implies inferring information from indirect sources or clues.

deduce that

Focuses on reaching a conclusion through reasoning and logical inference.

FAQs

How can I use "learn that" in a sentence?

You can use "learn that" to introduce new information you've acquired, as in "I "discover that" she's been secretly training for a marathon."

What are some alternatives to saying "learn that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "find out that", "realize that", or ""discover that"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "learn that" and "know that"?

"Learn that" implies the acquisition of new knowledge, while "know that" suggests existing knowledge. For example, "I "learn that" smoking is harmful" indicates gaining this knowledge, whereas "I know that smoking is harmful" implies you already possess this information.

When is it inappropriate to use "learn that"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "learn that" when referring to hypothetical or future situations. Use "will learn" or "would learn" instead. For instance, instead of "I "learn that" it will rain tomorrow", say "I will learn that it will rain tomorrow" (if you're going to find out tomorrow) or “I learned that it would rain tomorrow” (if you found out yesterday that it would rain the following day).