teachable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teachable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is open to learning or capable of being taught. Example: "She is very teachable, always eager to learn new skills and improve herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rather than simply getting upset, we could actually use these trainers as a teachable moment, especially for young people – their target market.

The Guardian - Opinion

These aren't just trainers; they're teachable objects.

The Guardian - Opinion

I hope, after a period of retraining, you will give me the chanceAh, so it's a teachable moment, worthy of a Disney television movie.

The Economist

Their teachable moment was the 2010-11 flooding around Brisbane that killed nearly 40 people and cost A$2.3 billion ($2.4 billion).

The Economist

"Learning about evidence-based management becomes interesting and engaging to students when it is applied to a teachable moment involving a natural disaster," argues a group from the University of Queensland Business School.

The Economist

Even if the ungraspable commodity that is "leadership" might not be fully teachable, leadership tools can be, report John Antonakis, Marika Fenley and Sue Lietchi of the University of Lausanne.

The Economist

A teachable moment presents itself.The technical term to describe Kansas's legislative move is "nullification".

The Economist

On Thursday the six Gulf monarchies Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were the latest allies to endure such a teachable moment at the hands of America's president.Mr Obama gave his lecture in a press conference at the end of a summit at Camp David, the presidential retreat, with leaders and envoys from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

The Economist

To its organisers, the field trip represented what the headmistress Liz Jaroslow described as a "teachable moment" – an opportunity to educate the children about love, marriage, and the historic significance of same-sex weddings.

Independent

In contrast to the majority of US sitcoms, Arrested Development had no teachable moments: the family at its centre, the venal Bluths, rarely learnt from their mistakes but instead blundered their merry way through life, bound together not so much by love as by a sense that family, no matter how bad, is all you've got.

Independent

But since the damn thing went viral and there is as yet no vaccine to halt its spread, I figured it might provide material for, as they say, a teachable moment on the Incongruity Theory of Humor, as defined by James Beattie (1735-1803) in his "Essay on Laughter": You know, a mashup.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "teachable" to describe a situation or event, consider framing it as a "teachable moment" to emphasize the opportunity for learning and growth.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something described as "teachable" is inherently simple or easy to understand. The term simply means that the subject matter can be effectively taught and learned, regardless of its complexity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "teachable" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe the capacity or potential for learning, as seen in examples from Ludwig where it describes both people and situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "teachable" is frequently used to describe someone or something with the capacity to be taught or learned. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially in "News & Media" contexts. It often appears in the phrase "teachable moment", which refers to a situation that presents an opportunity for learning. While "teachable" implies accessibility to instruction, it doesn't necessarily mean the subject is simple. For alternatives, consider "open to learning" or "receptive to instruction", offering similar nuances. Overall, "teachable" is a versatile term for highlighting the potential for education and growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open to learning

Emphasizes a willingness and eagerness to acquire new knowledge.

willing to learn

Stresses the readiness and enthusiasm to engage in learning activities.

receptive to instruction

Highlights the ability to readily accept and understand guidance.

apt to learn

Indicates a natural inclination and talent for learning.

easily trained

Focuses on the simplicity and speed with which someone can be trained.

trainable

Highlights the capacity to be taught specific skills or behaviors.

coachable

Specifically refers to being receptive to guidance from a coach or mentor.

educable

Focuses on the ability to be formally educated.

amenable to guidance

Implies a cooperative attitude when receiving advice or direction.

impressionable

Suggests being easily influenced by external factors, affecting what is learned.

FAQs

How can I use "teachable" in a sentence?

You can use "teachable" to describe someone who is receptive to learning or a situation that offers a learning opportunity. For example: "She is a very "teachable" student" or "The incident provided a "teachable moment" for the team".

What's the difference between "teachable" and "trainable"?

"Teachable" generally refers to the capacity to learn and understand concepts, while "trainable" implies the ability to acquire specific skills through instruction and practice. A person can be "teachable" in theory but require more hands-on training to become truly "trainable".

What can I say instead of "teachable moment"?

Alternatives to "teachable moment" include "learning opportunity", "educational experience", or "instructive situation". Each phrase emphasizes the potential for gaining knowledge or insight from a particular event or circumstance.

Is it correct to say someone is "not teachable"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Saying someone is "not teachable" implies they are unwilling or unable to learn, perhaps due to stubbornness or a fixed mindset. It suggests a resistance to instruction or new ideas.