was taught to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was taught to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone received instruction or education on how to do something in the past. Example: "He was taught to play the piano by his grandmother, who was a skilled musician."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was taught to treat them politely.

The New Yorker

I was taught to hand write those.

The New York Times

"I was taught to have discipline.

The New York Times - Sports

I was taught to work for something.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So I was taught to code.

The Guardian - Tech

I was taught to avoid showing off.

The Guardian - Books

I'm doing everything I was taught to do.

The New York Times - Sports

"Growing up, I was taught to love dessert," she said.

The New York Times - Food

"It's just what I was taught to do," Grant said.

The New York Times - Sports

I was taught to have that mind-set.

The New York Times - Sports

That's how I was taught to make them.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was taught to", ensure the sentence clearly indicates who provided the instruction. For example, "She "was taught to" play the piano by her mother."

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear who the subject "was taught to" by. Vague phrasing can leave the reader wondering who did the teaching, weakening the statement's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was taught to" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that someone received instruction or training in a particular skill, behavior, or belief. This is demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig, which show a wide range of contexts where this phrase is used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was taught to" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to describe the act of receiving instruction or training. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific sources. This phrase effectively communicates how individuals acquire skills, knowledge, or beliefs through external instruction. While "was taught to" is generally versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying who provided the instruction and avoiding ambiguity. For alternatives, "learned how to" or "received instruction in" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learned how to

Switches to an active voice, focusing on the acquisition of knowledge or skills by the subject.

was trained in

This implies a practical, hands-on learning experience, typically for a specific skill or job.

was shown how to

Highlights the act of being demonstrated a process or skill.

received instruction in

This alternative provides a more formal tone by using "received instruction" instead of "was taught".

had lessons in

Implies formal instruction, often in a specific subject or skill.

was educated in

This alternative focuses on formal education, implying a structured learning environment.

was coached in

Suggests personalized guidance and training, often in a specific area.

was mentored in

This emphasizes a close, supportive learning relationship with an experienced individual.

was given guidance on

Focuses on receiving advice and direction rather than formal instruction.

was schooled in

Implies instruction, often in a particular belief system or way of life.

FAQs

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

Use "was taught to" to describe an action or belief instilled in someone through instruction. For example, "He "was taught to" respect his elders."

What are some alternatives to "was taught to"?

You can use alternatives like "learned how to", "received instruction in", or "was trained in", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing how someone learned something?

Using active voice (e.g., "learned how to") can make the sentence more direct and engaging. However, passive voice ("was taught to") is appropriate when the focus is on the recipient of the instruction rather than the instructor.

What's the difference between "was taught to" and "knew how to"?

"Was taught to" implies a process of instruction, while "knew how to" indicates a state of possessing knowledge or skill, regardless of how it was acquired. For example, you "was taught to" swim, but you simply "knew how to" ride a bike.