lesson learned

USAGE SUMMARY

"lesson learned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it a few different ways. For example, "We had a few missteps along the way, but I think we can all agree that a valuable lesson was learned from the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A lesson learned.

The New York Times

apologies and lesson learned".

BBC

The lesson learned?

The New York Times - Sports

Lesson learned, as they say".

The New Yorker

"Lesson learned," Reznor said.

The Guardian - Music

Lesson learned," he said.

The Guardian

The lesson learned from yesterday?

The Guardian - Music

The lesson learned by Ms. O'Bryant?

The New York Times

"It's a lesson learned pretty quickly".

The New York Times - Sports

Lesson learned: keep it simple.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lesson learned: Vaccinations work.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lesson learned", briefly explain the context or situation from which the lesson was derived to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid stating "lesson learned" without specifying what the lesson actually is. Ensure the lesson is clearly articulated and relevant to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesson learned" primarily functions as a noun phrase or a predicate nominative. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and widely used, supporting its acceptance as a standard expression. It often encapsulates a conclusion or insight gained from an experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lesson learned" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote an insight or understanding gained from experience. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, but also present in formal business and scientific contexts, it serves to summarize key takeaways from events or situations. When using the phrase, providing context and specifying the lesson are crucial for clarity. Alternatives like "valuable takeaway" or "key insight" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valuable takeaway

Emphasizes the benefit or value derived from the experience.

key insight

Highlights the crucial understanding gained.

significant learning

Highlights the magnitude and impact of the learning process.

improved understanding

Highlights that the learning has advanced comprehension.

acquired knowledge

Focuses on the gained information or understanding.

important realization

Stresses the act of becoming aware of something significant.

takeaway point

Focuses on summarizing the most important piece of information to remember.

wisdom gained

Suggests a deeper level of understanding and maturity.

practical experience

Highlights the hands-on aspect of the learning process.

hard-earned knowledge

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in gaining the lesson.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "lesson learned" in a sentence?

To effectively use "lesson learned", provide context and clearly state what insight was gained from the experience. For instance, "After the failed marketing campaign, the "lesson learned" was to thoroughly research the target audience".

What phrases can I use instead of "lesson learned"?

You can use alternatives such as "valuable takeaway", "key insight", or "acquired knowledge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a lesson was learned"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "a lesson was learned" can sometimes sound passive or less direct. Using ""lesson learned"" as a noun phrase often makes the statement more concise and impactful.

What's the difference between "lesson learned" and "lessons learned"?

"Lesson learned" typically refers to a single, specific insight gained from an experience, while "lessons learned" refers to multiple insights or a collection of learnings from a particular event or project.