lessons learned

USAGE SUMMARY

'lessons learned' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when someone has gained some knowledge, perhaps from experience or study, and is reflecting on the importance of that knowledge. For example, "In completing the project, I learned many important lessons which will undoubtedly benefit me in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lessons learned.

The New York Times

"Lessons learned," Ron said.

The New Yorker

Any other lessons learned?

The New York Times

Other lessons learned?

The New York Times

Lessons learned are highlighted.

Engineering Failure Analysis

job, but with lessons learned.

The New York Times

Some lessons learned?

The New York Times - Travel

Associated lessons learned are identified.

Acta Astronautica

Epilogue: lessons learned.

Princeton University

5. Leverage lessons learned.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Distribute these lessons-learned.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting project outcomes, explicitly state the "lessons learned" to facilitate future improvements and prevent recurrence of past mistakes. Make it a dedicated section in reports.

Common error

Avoid stating "lessons learned" too broadly. Ensure they are specific, actionable, and directly tied to the experience from which they were derived. For example, instead of saying "Communication is important", specify "Daily stand-up meetings improved team coordination and reduced miscommunication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessons learned" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote the knowledge acquired from experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lessons learned" is a versatile and widely accepted noun phrase that denotes knowledge or understanding derived from experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, academia, and business. While "lessons learned" is generally appropriate, considering the audience and context will guide you in choosing a more formal alternative such as "insights gained" or "knowledge acquired". Remember to be specific and actionable when documenting "lessons learned" to ensure their practical value in future endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learnings

A more concise and slightly less formal synonym for lessons learned.

insights gained

Focuses on the understanding acquired, highlighting the intellectual benefit.

knowledge acquired

Emphasizes the information obtained through the experience.

experience gained

Highlights the practical skill and understanding developed.

takeaways

Informal term for the key points or conclusions derived from an experience.

conclusions drawn

Emphasizes the act of forming judgments based on the experience.

key findings

Highlights the most important discoveries or results from an investigation or experience.

gained wisdom

Implies a deeper understanding and insight acquired over time.

best practices

Suggests a collection of methods or techniques that have proven effective.

points to remember

Highlights the most important aspects that should be kept in mind for future reference.

FAQs

How can I use "lessons learned" in a sentence?

You can use "lessons learned" to describe insights gained from an experience. For example, "The project provided valuable "lessons learned" about risk management".

What are some alternatives to "lessons learned"?

Some alternatives include "insights gained", "knowledge acquired", or "experience gained", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "lessons learned" in formal writing?

Yes, "lessons learned" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business, academic, and technical contexts. However, consider using more formal synonyms like "insights gained" or "knowledge acquired" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "lessons learned" and "best practices"?

"Lessons learned" refers to knowledge gained from specific experiences, often involving challenges or mistakes. "Best practices", on the other hand, are standardized methods or techniques that have consistently shown superior results over time. "Lessons learned" can inform the development of "best practices".