learned to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "learned to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of acquiring a skill, understanding, or behavior over time. Example: "Through years of practice and reflection, she learned to be more patient with herself and others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've learned to be consistent here.

The New York Times

I quickly learned to be watchful.

The Guardian

From her, he learned to be meticulous.

The New York Times

He learned to be neat in jail".

The New Yorker

I've learned to be more flexible.

The New York Times

I learned to be quiet.

The New York Times

I've learned to be consistent.

The New York Times

He's learned to be gracious".

The New York Times - Sports

I learned to be careful.

The Guardian - Music

Learned to be a politician?

The Guardian - Opinion

I learned to be independent.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "learned to be" when describing a process of acquiring a skill, habit, or characteristic over time. For example, "She "learned to be" more patient through meditation."

Common error

Avoid using "learn to be" when the action has already occurred. The correct form, "learned to be", indicates a completed process of learning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "learned to be" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating the acquisition of a new skill, state, or attribute. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from personal growth to professional development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "learned to be" is a versatile and common expression used to describe the acquisition of a new skill, characteristic, or understanding. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business writing, and academic discourse. When using the phrase, remember to maintain consistent tense and to use a related phrase if a similar but more specific meaning is better suited. Alternatives include "became able to", "grew to be", and "came to be". As Ludwig AI indicates, "learned to be" is a strong choice for expressing personal growth and development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became able to

Emphasizes the resulting ability after a period of learning or adaptation.

grew to be

Highlights a gradual development or transformation over time.

came to be

Focuses on the process of evolving into a particular state or condition.

developed into

Suggests a more structured or intentional process of growth.

trained to be

Implies a formal learning environment or specific instruction.

acquired the ability to be

Highlights the acquisition of a specific skill or capability.

was taught to be

Focuses on the influence of an instructor or educational system.

matured into

Indicates a natural process of maturation and development.

evolved into

Implies a gradual transformation driven by external factors or internal changes.

transformed into

Emphasizes a complete and significant change in character or nature.

FAQs

What does "learned to be" mean?

The phrase "learned to be" means that someone has acquired a skill, quality, or understanding over a period of time through experience or instruction. It implies a process of development and change.

How can I use "learned to be" in a sentence?

You can use "learned to be" to describe a change in someone's behavior, skills, or understanding. For example, "After years of practice, she "learned to be" a skilled musician".

What are some alternatives to "learned to be"?

Alternatives to "learned to be" include phrases like "became able to", "grew to be", or "came to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "learned to be" and "was taught to be"?

"Learned to be" implies a self-driven or experiential learning process, while "was taught to be" suggests formal instruction or guidance from someone else. For example, "He "learned to be" independent through traveling", versus "He "was taught to be" respectful by his parents".