learning things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "learning things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of acquiring knowledge or skills about various subjects or topics. Example: "I enjoy learning things that challenge my understanding of the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I was learning things".

The New York Times

"We're learning things".

The New York Times - Science

I kept on learning things.

The New Yorker

You prevent people from learning things.

The Guardian - Books

"People like learning things the hard way".

The New York Times - Sports

The lesson he was learning: "Things change really quickly".

The New York Times

"We are still learning things about their biology and behavior".

The New York Times - Science

Just learning things like tying shoelaces can be really hard.

Independent

And unfortunately we're learning things on the fly".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Every race is a learning thing".

The New York Times - Sports

You learn things too.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "learning things" in contexts where you want to emphasize the general process of acquiring new information or skills, especially when the specific details of what is being learned are less important than the act of learning itself.

Common error

While "learning things" is perfectly acceptable, it can sound informal in academic or professional writing. In such contexts, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "acquiring knowledge", "gaining expertise", or "expanding understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "learning things" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun. It describes the activity or process of acquiring knowledge or skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "learning things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of acquiring knowledge or skills. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context. For informal conversations or general descriptions, it works perfectly. However, in formal academic or professional settings, opting for more specific terms like "acquiring knowledge" or "developing expertise" can enhance the sophistication and precision of your writing. Remember to tailor your language to suit your audience and purpose for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquiring knowledge

Focuses more on the accumulation of information rather than the process.

gaining insights

Emphasizes understanding and perception rather than general learning.

expanding understanding

Highlights the growth of comprehension.

developing skills

Specifically refers to improving abilities, not just gaining knowledge.

broadening horizons

Implies learning about diverse subjects and experiences.

enriching knowledge

Suggests making existing knowledge more complete or valuable.

increasing awareness

Centers on becoming more conscious or informed.

absorbing information

Highlights the intake of data, often passively.

studying subjects

Refers to a formal approach to learning through study.

investigating topics

Focuses on detailed examination and research.

FAQs

How can I use "learning things" in a sentence?

You can use "learning things" to describe the general process of gaining knowledge or skills. For example: "I enjoy "learning things" that challenge my assumptions." or "She is dedicated to "learning things" every day".

What are some alternatives to "learning things"?

You can use alternatives like "acquiring knowledge", "gaining insights", or "expanding understanding" depending on the context.

Is "learning things" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "learning things" may sound too informal for academic writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "knowledge acquisition" or "skill development".

What's the difference between "learning things" and "studying subjects"?

"Learning things" is a more general term for acquiring knowledge, while "studying subjects" implies a more formal and structured approach to learning, often within an educational setting.