learned to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "learned to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of acquiring knowledge or comprehension about a particular subject or situation. Example: "Over the years, I learned to understand the complexities of human emotions and relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

They learned to understand what constitutes "thinking like a scientist," to value active-learning strategies and learning communities, and to develop a sense of belonging in bioscience communities.

CBE Life Sciences Education

"I learned to understand him".

The New York Times

We have learned to understand the building first.

The Guardian

And both my kids first learned to understand numbers from Silverstein's poem "Smart".

The New York Times - Books

"Elementary schools won't have English lessons because [students] haven't learned to understand the Indonesian language.

The Guardian

With a cane she learned to understand the pavement's music, but it was limiting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Infants learn to understand pointing by 12 months.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm learning to understand this situation".

The Guardian - Music

That I could learn to understand the Brooklyn transit system.

The New Yorker

One has to learn to understand and respect that.

The Guardian

"Children learn to understand new things through science," said Edi Kusyanto, principal of Petamburan 04.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "came to understand" or "grew to understand" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "learned to understand" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using alternatives like "grasped", "comprehended", or "realized" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "learned to understand" functions as a verb phrase indicating the acquisition of knowledge or comprehension. Examples in Ludwig show its usage across diverse fields. It is a descriptive phrase which explains how someone moved from ignorance to knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "learned to understand" is a versatile expression used to describe the process of gaining knowledge or comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While common, it's important to vary your language by using synonyms like "came to understand" or "grew to understand" to avoid repetition. Remember that while generally neutral, formality can be increased with synonyms such as "comprehended", though context is essential. Frequency analysis shows "learned to understand" commonly appears in news and media, science, and encyclopedias, reflecting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came to understand

Emphasizes the process of arriving at understanding over time.

grew to understand

Suggests a gradual development of understanding, often through experience.

began to understand

Highlights the initial stage of gaining comprehension.

managed to understand

Indicates that understanding was achieved despite potential difficulties.

got to understand

Implies familiarity and ease in gaining understanding.

gained an understanding of

Focuses on the acquisition of a general comprehension.

developed an understanding of

Highlights the creation and expansion of comprehension over time.

acquired an understanding of

Suggests a more formal or deliberate process of gaining knowledge.

achieved understanding of

Emphasizes the successful attainment of comprehension, often after effort.

grasped the meaning of

Focuses on understanding the significance or implication of something specific.

FAQs

What's the difference between "learned to understand" and "came to understand"?

"Learned to understand" implies a general acquisition of knowledge or comprehension, while "came to understand" often suggests a realization or understanding that occurred at a specific point or over a period of time.

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

You can use "learned to understand" to describe gaining knowledge or comprehension. For example, "After years of research, the scientist learned to understand the complex interactions within the ecosystem."

What are some alternatives to "learned to understand"?

Alternatives include "began to understand", "grew to understand", or simply "understood" depending on the context.

Is "learned to understand" formal or informal?

"Learned to understand" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using a more concise alternative like "comprehended".