was taught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was taught" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something specific that was taught to someone. For example: "The students were taught the importance of teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was taught music.

The Guardian - Music

I was taught how to work.

The New York Times - Magazine

& eventually he was "taught the secret".

The New Yorker

"But it was taught in schools.

The Guardian - Film

I was taught confidence by my grandmother".

Independent

I was taught by Ruby Wax.

Independent

She was taught to treat them politely.

The New Yorker

I was taught to hand write those.

The New York Times

Was taught fire-eating by a friend.

Independent

Is what I was taught.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, professionally, I was taught by Paul Norman.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was taught" when you want to emphasize the passive reception of knowledge or skills. For example, "I was taught to respect my elders."

Common error

Avoid using "was teach" as it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "was taught", which indicates a passive voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was taught" functions as a passive voice verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence received instruction or knowledge from an unspecified agent. Ludwig shows examples where it describes both formal education and informal learning experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was taught" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive voice construction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used to express how knowledge or skills were acquired through instruction. Occurring commonly in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember to use the correct form ("was taught" not "was teach") and consider alternatives like "received instruction in" or "learned from" for nuanced expression. Ludwig's examples offer a practical guide to incorporating this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was instructed in

Similar to "was taught" but emphasizes a formal or structured learning environment.

was educated in

Indicates a broader, more comprehensive form of teaching and learning.

received instruction in

Focuses on the act of receiving guidance, rather than the act of teaching.

underwent training in

Emphasizes the process of structured learning and development.

learned from

Highlights the source of knowledge or skill acquisition.

acquired skills in

Focuses on the outcome of being taught: the development of skills.

gained knowledge of

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge as a result of teaching.

was coached in

Implies a more personalized and intensive form of teaching, often in a specific skill.

was mentored in

Suggests a longer-term, supportive teaching relationship.

studied under

Highlights the individual or institution under which one was taught.

FAQs

How can I use "was taught" in a sentence?

Use "was taught" to indicate that someone received instruction or knowledge. For example, "She was taught how to play the piano."

What are some alternatives to "was taught"?

You can use alternatives like "received instruction in", "learned from", or "was instructed in" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was taught" or "was teach"?

"Was taught" is the correct passive form. "Was teach" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "was taught" and "learned from"?

"Was taught" emphasizes the act of instruction, while "learned from" emphasizes the source of knowledge. For example, "I was taught by my father" vs. "I "learned from" books".