they are learned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are learned" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe people who have a lot of knowledge about a particular topic. For example, "The members of this community are very learned about the environment and the effects of pollution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

There are lessons to be learned and I will make sure they are learned.

The Guardian

He added: "There are always lessons to be learned and I will make sure they are learned.

The Guardian

Yes, these are everyday words – but they are learned in conversation and from reading, not by being didactically taught by teachers.

Independent

Researchers have long known that the brain links all kinds of new facts, related or not, when they are learned about the same time.

The New York Times - Health

In February 2014, prime minister Cameron visited the submerged Somerset Levels and said: "There are always lessons to be learned and I will make sure they are learned".

The Guardian

Bellos starts his tour of the mathematical world with some anthropology, asking whether numbers are something natural to humans, or whether they are learned and constructed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

We know they are learning".

The New Yorker

They are learning collaboration and leadership skills".

Independent

"They are learning bad habits from us".

The New York Times

Chinese business leaders say they are learning.

The New York Times

"Here, they are learning to race.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are learned", ensure the context clearly identifies what "they" refers to. For example, "These skills are complex, but they are learned through consistent practice."

Common error

Avoid using "they are learned" when active voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The students are learned by the teacher", which is grammatically incorrect, say "The teacher learns the students".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "they are learned" is to act as a passive construction, indicating that the subject receives or acquires knowledge or skills, rather than actively performing the learning. Ludwig confirms its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in describing how information is internalized.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are learned" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to denote that certain knowledge, skills, or behaviors are acquired through various means. As indicated by Ludwig, it frequently appears in diverse contexts spanning from news and media to scientific literature. The neutral to formal register allows for versatile application, as seen in the examples. While seemingly straightforward, understanding the nuances of passive voice and selecting the appropriate context ensures effective and precise communication. Remembering these guidelines will prevent misinterpretations and enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are acquired

Focuses on the process of obtaining something, whether it's knowledge, skills, or habits.

they are understood

This shifts the focus from acquisition to comprehension; the subject is not just learned, but also understood.

they are assimilated

Focuses on the integration of new information into existing knowledge.

they are mastered

This emphasizes achieving a high level of proficiency in something.

they are absorbed

This suggests that the information has been passively taken in, often without conscious effort.

they are internalized

Suggests that the knowledge or skill has become deeply integrated into one's understanding or behavior.

they are ingrained

This indicates that the knowledge, skill or habit is firmly established and difficult to change.

they are grasped

Indicates a quick and complete understanding of something.

they are cultivated

This suggests that skills or qualities are developed over time, often through deliberate effort.

they are discovered

Shifts from intentional learning to finding out something previously unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "they are learned" in a sentence?

The phrase "they are learned" is used to indicate that certain concepts, skills, or behaviors are acquired through study, experience, or teaching. For example, "Healthy habits can be hard to develop and maintain, but if they are learned at a young age, those changes are more likely to stick."

What are some alternatives to saying "they are learned"?

You can use alternatives like "they are understood", "they are acquired", or "they are mastered" depending on the specific context.

Is "they are learned" the same as "they are taught"?

While related, "they are learned" focuses on the acquisition of knowledge or skills by the individual, whereas "they are taught" emphasizes the instruction provided by someone else. For example, "The students are taught by the professor, and consequently, they are learned about the subject."

What is the difference between "they are learned" and "they learn"?

"They are learned" is in the passive voice, emphasizing that something is received or acquired. "They learn" is active, emphasizing the subject's action of gaining knowledge or skills. For instance, compare "The lessons are learned by the students" (passive) with "The students learn the lessons" (active).