teach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teach" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of imparting knowledge or skills to someone else. Example: "I want to teach my students about the importance of environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think parents should be able to teach their kids what their faith says, what science says.

The New York Times

At the end of the day, I think there are multiple theories out there on how the universe was created and I think this is a country where people should have the opportunity to teach them all.

The New York Times

With plenty of tailored advice from Anthony, this highly interactive course will teach you everything from the art of creative composition, to the technicalities of shooting on manual.

The Guardian

One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live".

The Economist

The Caribs soon realised they'd been had and started to make life as difficult as possible for the French, who sent out a hunting party to teach them a lesson.

The Guardian - Travel

Law enforcement officers "have become first responders to people in psychiatric crisis", he said, but "oftentimes, their traditional academy training doesn't really teach police how to respond to such crisis".

The Guardian

We also teach them to deliver the workshops so we can employ them to teach others.

The Guardian

And we now teach and run universities and colleges throughout the college.

The Guardian

Related: Pro-Russian rebels in Donetsk keep on the attack as war of words intensifies "Of course we need training to revitalise the army, to reform and teach so it will be ready for combat," said the commander of a frontline checkpoint near Mariupol who would give only his call sign Cobra.

The Guardian

Teachers have six lessons, on average, to teach the Holocaust, and if we want children to think of the victims as real people, with real lives – and more than piles of dead bodies, which is how the Nazis would have wanted it – this film is not where young people should be engaging with it for the first time.

The Guardian - Film

And if schools teach about religious law, "pupils should be made aware of the difference between the law of the land and religious law".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "teach", be specific about the subject or skill being taught. Instead of saying "I want to teach", say "I want to teach mathematics".

Common error

Avoid using "teach" in contexts where a more specific verb like "demonstrate", "explain", or "guide" would be more appropriate. This prevents vagueness and enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "teach" is as a verb, used to describe the action of imparting knowledge or skills to someone. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "teach" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of imparting knowledge or skills. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It functions neutrally across diverse contexts, from formal education to everyday communication. While highly common, it's important to use "teach" with specificity and consider more precise verbs when appropriate. Alternatives such as "instruct", "educate", and "train" can offer more nuance depending on the context. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "teach" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instruct

Emphasizes a more formal or structured method of imparting knowledge.

educate

Focuses on the broader development of understanding and reasoning.

train

Highlights the development of a specific skill through practice.

tutor

Implies one-on-one or small-group instruction.

coach

Suggests guidance and motivation in achieving a specific goal.

mentor

Indicates a long-term relationship of guidance and support.

impart knowledge

A more formal and general way of expressing the act of sharing knowledge.

share wisdom

Emphasizes the transmission of experience and insight.

develop skills

Highlights the practical aspect of improving capabilities.

offer guidance

Focuses on providing direction and advice.

FAQs

How can I use "teach" in a sentence?

You can use "teach" in a sentence to describe the act of imparting knowledge or skills. For example, "She will teach the children how to read".

What can I say instead of "teach"?

You can use alternatives like "instruct", "educate", or "train" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "teach someone something" or "teach someone in something"?

"Teach someone something" is the correct construction. For example, "teach children English" is correct, while "teach children in English" implies teaching within the English language.

What's the difference between "teach" and "learn"?

"Teach" means to impart knowledge or skills, while "learn" means to acquire knowledge or skills. They are opposite actions; one gives, and the other receives.