Have you ever been confused about whether to use “earnt” or “learnt” in your writing? You’re not alone. Many people are unsure of which is the correct word to use in certain situations. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “earnt” and “learnt” and when to use each one.
We should establish which of the two is the proper word to use. The answer is that both “earnt” and “learnt” are correct, but they are used in different English-speaking countries. “Earnt” is primarily used in British English, while “learnt” is more commonly used in American English.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the definitions of each word. “Earnt” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “earn”. It means to receive money or other forms of payment in exchange for work or services. “Learnt” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “learn”. It means to acquire knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught.
So, when should you use “earnt” and when should you use “learnt”? It depends on the context of your writing and which form of English you are using. If you are writing in British English, use “earnt” when referring to receiving payment for work or services. If you are writing in American English, use “learned” when referring to acquiring knowledge or skill.
It’s important to note that while “earnt” and “learnt” are correct in their respective forms of English, it’s always a good idea to double-check which version is appropriate for your specific audience or context.
Define Earnt
Earnt is a past tense form of the verb “earn” which means to gain or receive something as a result of one’s own efforts or actions. It is commonly used in British English and is considered a valid spelling of the word “earned” in some dictionaries.
For example, “I earnt a lot of money from my new job” or “She has earnt the respect of her colleagues through hard work and dedication.”
Define Learnt
Learnt is a past tense form of the verb “learn” which means to acquire knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught. It is also commonly used in British English and is considered a valid spelling of the word “learned” in some dictionaries.
For example, “I learnt a lot about history from reading that book” or “He has learnt how to play the guitar from his music teacher.”
It is worth noting that in American English, the past tense forms of “earn” and “learn” are typically spelled as “earned” and “learned” respectively. However, both “earnt” and “learnt” are widely accepted in British English and are used interchangeably with their American counterparts.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct form of a word is important in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence. In the case of “earnt” and “learnt,” both words are past tense forms of “earn” and “learn,” respectively. However, their usage differs depending on the context and location.
How To Use “Earnt” In A Sentence
“Earnt” is a past tense form of “earn” that is commonly used in British English. It is used to describe the act of receiving payment or compensation for work done or services rendered. Here are some examples:
- She earnt a lot of money from her freelance work last month.
- He has earnt the respect of his colleagues through his hard work and dedication.
- They have earnt their place in the final through a series of impressive performances.
It is important to note that “earnt” is not commonly used in American English. Instead, “earned” is the preferred past tense form of “earn.”
How To Use “Learnt” In A Sentence
“Learnt” is a past tense form of “learn” that is commonly used in British English. It is used to describe the act of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught. Here are some examples:
- She learnt a lot about history during her trip to Europe.
- He has learnt a valuable lesson about the importance of time management.
- They have learnt a new technique for improving their productivity.
Similar to “earnt,” “learnt” is not commonly used in American English. Instead, “learned” is the preferred past tense form of “learn.”
More Examples Of Earnt & Learnt Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of the usage of the words “earnt” and “learnt” in sentences. These examples will help you understand how to use these words correctly in your writing.
Examples Of Using Earnt In A Sentence
- She earnt a promotion after working hard for several years.
- He has earnt the respect of his colleagues through his dedication to his work.
- They have earnt a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy.
- She earnt a lot of money from her business venture.
- He earnt a degree in economics from a prestigious university.
- The team earnt a victory in the championship game.
- She has earnt the right to be heard on this issue.
- He earnt a living as a musician for many years.
- They have earnt their success through hard work and perseverance.
- She earnt the admiration of her peers for her bravery.
Examples Of Using Learnt In A Sentence
- He learnt how to play the guitar when he was a teenager.
- She has learnt a lot from her experiences living abroad.
- They learnt about the history of the city on a walking tour.
- He learnt the importance of teamwork while playing sports in high school.
- She learnt to be more patient with her children after taking a parenting class.
- The students learnt about different cultures in their social studies class.
- He learnt a valuable lesson about honesty after getting caught in a lie.
- She learnt to speak Spanish fluently after studying abroad in Spain.
- They learnt how to cook a new recipe from a cookbook.
- He learnt the hard way that procrastination leads to stress.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “earnt” and “learnt,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably, thinking that they are simply different spellings of the same word. However, this is not the case, and using them incorrectly can make your writing appear unprofessional and careless.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using “earnt” when you should be using “learned.” While “earnt” is a valid word, it is primarily used in British English and is considered archaic in American English. In most cases, “learned” is the correct spelling to use.
Another mistake is using “learnt” in situations where “learned” should be used instead. While “learnt” is also a valid word, it is not used as frequently as “learned” in American English. It is important to understand the context in which each word should be used to avoid confusion.
Finally, some people make the mistake of using both “earnt” and “learnt” in the same piece of writing, thinking that it adds variety to their language. However, this can actually make your writing appear inconsistent and unprofessional.
Tips For Avoiding Mistakes
- Always double-check the spelling of the word you are using to ensure that it is the correct one for the context in which it is being used.
- If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or style guide for guidance.
- Avoid using both “earnt” and “learnt” in the same piece of writing, as this can make your language appear inconsistent.
By being mindful of these common mistakes and following these tips, you can ensure that your writing is clear, professional, and free of errors.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “earnt” and “learnt,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. While both words are past tense forms of “earn” and “learn,” respectively, there are certain situations where one might be more appropriate than the other.
Formality
One factor to consider is the level of formality of the context. In more formal writing, such as academic papers or professional emails, “earned” is generally preferred over “earnt” or “learnt.” This is because “earned” is considered the more standard and accepted form in such settings.
On the other hand, in informal writing or speech, “earnt” and “learnt” are more commonly used. For example, in casual conversations with friends or in social media posts, these forms are perfectly acceptable and may even be seen as more relatable or authentic.
Regional Differences
Another aspect to consider is regional differences in usage. In American English, “earned” is almost always the preferred form, while “earnt” and “learnt” are more commonly used in British English.
However, even within British English, there can be variations in usage depending on the specific dialect or region. For example, in some parts of the UK, “learnt” may be used more frequently than “earnt.”
Examples
| Context | Preferred Form |
|---|---|
| Academic Writing | Earned |
| Professional Emails | Earned |
| Casual Conversations | Earnt/Learnt |
| Social Media Posts | Earnt/Learnt |
| American English | Earned |
| British English | Earnt/Learnt |
Overall, the choice between “earnt” and “learnt” depends on various factors, including formality and regional differences. By understanding these nuances, writers can make informed decisions about which form to use in different contexts.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “earnt” and “learnt” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind:
Regional Differences
In some regions, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, “learnt” is the more commonly used past tense form of “learn.” However, in the United States, “learned” is used more frequently. Therefore, it is important to consider the audience and context when deciding which form to use.
Phrasal Verbs
When “learn” is used as part of a phrasal verb, such as “learn of” or “learn about,” the past tense form is always “learned.” For example:
- I learned of the news yesterday.
- She learned about the project from her colleague.
Idiomatic Expressions
There are some idiomatic expressions that use “learned” rather than “learnt.” For example:
- Learned profession
- Learned scholar
- Learned behavior
In these cases, “learned” is used to convey a sense of knowledge and expertise.
Formal Writing
In formal writing, such as academic papers or professional documents, “learned” is generally preferred over “learnt.” This is because “learned” is seen as more formal and professional.
Overall, while the rules for using “earnt” and “learnt” are generally straightforward, it is important to be aware of these exceptions to ensure that your writing is clear and effective.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of earnt and learnt requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either earnt or learnt:
- I ____ a lot from my mistakes.
- He ____ a lot of money from his job.
- Have you ____ anything new today?
- She has ____ how to play the guitar.
Answer Key:
- learnt
- earnt
- learnt
- learnt
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the sentence using the opposite of the underlined word:
- He earnt a lot of money from his job.
- She learnt how to swim when she was five years old.
- They earnt their success through hard work.
Answer Key:
- He learnt a lot of money from his job.
- She unlearnt how to swim when she was five years old.
- They learnt their success through hard work.
Exercise 3: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- She has ____ how to speak Spanish.
- He has ____ a lot of money from his investments.
- I have ____ a lot from my mistakes.
- They have ____ their lesson and won’t make the same mistake again.
Answer Key:
- learnt
- earnt
- learnt
- learnt
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate between “earnt” and “learnt” is a matter of personal preference and regional differences. While both spellings are considered correct, “earned” and “learned” are more commonly used in American English, while “earnt” and “learnt” are more prevalent in British English.
It is important to note that consistency is key when it comes to language use. Whether you choose to use “earnt” or “learnt,” make sure you use the same spelling throughout your writing to avoid confusion.
Furthermore, this article serves as a reminder that grammar and language use are constantly evolving. It is important to stay up-to-date with changes in language use and continue learning about proper grammar and usage.
Key Takeaways
- “Earnt” and “learnt” are both correct spellings, but their usage varies by region.
- Consistency is important when it comes to language use.
- Language use and grammar are constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date and continue learning.
By keeping these key takeaways in mind, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.