Earnt vs Learnt: When To Use Each One In Writing

Are you confused about when to use “earnt” and “learnt” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences in their meanings and usage.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word. The answer is that both “earnt” and “learnt” are correct spellings of the past tense of “learn”. However, “learnt” is more commonly used in British English, while “earnt” is more commonly used in American English.

So, what do these words actually mean? “Earnt” and “learnt” both mean the same thing: to acquire knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught. The difference lies in their usage and connotations.

“Earnt” is typically used in the context of earning money or rewards for one’s efforts. For example, “I have earnt a lot of money from my job.” It suggests a sense of accomplishment and hard work.

“Learnt”, on the other hand, is more commonly used in the context of acquiring knowledge or information. For example, “I have learnt a lot about history from reading books.” It suggests a more passive acquisition of knowledge.

Now that we’ve established the definitions and usage of these two words, let’s dive deeper into their origins and history.

Define Earnt

Earnt is a past tense verb form of the word “earn”. It means to acquire money or goods through work or effort. It is commonly used in British English and is considered a valid spelling of the word “earned”.

Define Learnt

Learnt is a past tense verb form of the word “learn”. It 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”.

Both earnt and learnt are irregular past tense forms of their respective verbs. While they are not as commonly used as their regular counterparts, earned and learned, they are still widely recognized and accepted in British English.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence can make a significant difference in the overall meaning. The words “earnt” and “learnt” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their usage. Here’s how to use them correctly:

How To Use “Earnt” In A Sentence

“Earnt” is the past tense of “earn.” It is used to indicate that someone has received money or payment for their work or services. Here are a few examples:

• She earnt a lot of money from her new job.
• He has earnt a reputation as a reliable employee.
• They have earnt enough to buy a new car.

It is important to note that “earnt” is not commonly used in American English. Instead, “earned” is the preferred spelling.

How To Use “Learnt” In A Sentence

“Learnt” is the past tense of “learn.” It is used to indicate that someone has gained knowledge or information through study, experience, or teaching. Here are a few examples:

• I learnt a lot about history from reading that book.
• She has learnt to play the guitar in just a few months.
• They learnt a valuable lesson from their mistake.

Again, it is important to note that “learnt” is not commonly used in American English. Instead, “learned” is the preferred spelling.

Using “earnt” and “learnt” correctly can help you communicate more effectively and avoid confusion. Remember to use “earnt” when referring to receiving payment or compensation and “learnt” when referring to gaining knowledge or information.

More Examples Of Earnt & Learnt Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between earnt and learnt, it’s important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Earnt In A Sentence

• He earnt a lot of money from his job.
• She has earnt the respect of her colleagues.
• The team earnt a victory in the final minutes of the game.
• He has earnt a reputation as a hard worker.
• She earnt a degree in neuroscience from Harvard.
• They have earnt their place in the history books.
• He earnt a promotion after years of hard work.
• She earnt her keep by working long hours.
• The company has earnt a reputation for quality products.
• He earnt a round of applause for his performance.

Examples Of Using Learnt In A Sentence

• I learnt how to play the piano when I was young.
• She learnt a lot from her mistakes.
• The students learnt about the Civil War in history class.
• He learnt to speak Spanish fluently while living in Spain.
• She has learnt to be more patient with her children.
• They learnt a valuable lesson about teamwork.
• He learnt the hard way that honesty is the best policy.
• She learnt to appreciate the simple things in life.
• The team learnt from their mistakes and came back stronger.
• He has learnt a lot about himself through his travels.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “earnt” and “learnt,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Learnt” When “Learned” Is The Correct Form

While “learnt” is a correct form of the past tense of “learn” in British English, it is not commonly used in American English. In fact, “learned” is the more widely accepted form in American English. Therefore, it is important to use “learned” instead of “learnt” when writing for an American audience.

2. Using “Earnt” Instead Of “Earned”

“Earnt” is not a commonly used form of the past tense of “earn” in either British or American English. In fact, it is considered archaic. Therefore, it is important to use “earned” instead of “earnt” to avoid sounding outdated or unprofessional.

3. Using “Earnt” And “Learnt” Interchangeably

As mentioned earlier, “earnt” and “learnt” have distinct meanings and are not interchangeable. “Earnt” is the past tense of “earn,” while “learnt” is the past tense of “learn.” Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and make your writing appear careless.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it is important to:

• Know your audience and use the appropriate form of the past tense of “learn” and “earn.”
• Use “earned” instead of “earnt” to avoid sounding outdated.
• Be mindful of the context and use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “earnt” and “learnt,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word to use. Both words are past tense forms of the verb “earn” and “learn,” respectively, but their usage can vary depending on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “earnt” and “learnt” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Correct Word Choice
British English	I earnt a lot of money from my job last year.	Earnt
American English	I earned a lot of money from my job last year.	Earned
Formal Writing	The team learnt a lot from their mistakes.	Learnt
Informal Speaking	I learned how to play the guitar from my friend.	Learned

In British English, “earnt” is the preferred spelling, while in American English, “earned” is more commonly used. In formal writing, “learnt” may be more appropriate, while in informal speaking, “learned” is often used instead. It is important to consider the context in which the word is being used to ensure the correct spelling is chosen.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rule is to use “earnt” in British English and “earned” in American English, there are some exceptions to this rule. Here are some cases where the rules for using earnt and learnt might not apply:

1. Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs are those that do not follow the standard rules for forming past tense. In such cases, the past tense of the verb is formed by changing the spelling of the word. For example, the past tense of “go” is “went,” not “goed.”

Similarly, some irregular verbs have their own unique past tense forms, which do not follow the standard rules for adding “-ed.” For instance, the past tense of “learn” is “learnt” in British English, but “learned” in American English.

Verb	British English	American English
learn	learnt	learned
burn	burnt	burned
dream	dreamt	dreamed

2. Regional Differences

While “earnt” is the preferred spelling in British English, there are some regional differences in the usage of this word. For example, in some parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, “earned” is used more commonly than “earnt.”

Similarly, in some parts of the United States, particularly in the Southern states, “learnt” is used more frequently than “learned.”

3. Contextual Usage

Sometimes, the choice between “earnt” and “earned,” or “learnt” and “learned,” depends on the context in which the word is being used. For example, “earnt” is often used in the context of wages or income, while “earned” is used in other contexts.

Similarly, “learnt” is often used in the context of acquiring knowledge or skills, while “learned” can be used in other contexts as well.

It is important to note that these contextual differences are not hard and fast rules, and the choice between “earnt” and “earned,” or “learnt” and “learned,” ultimately depends on the writer’s personal preference and the context in which the word is being used.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between earnt and learnt, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1:

Fill in the blank with either earnt or learnt:

1. She has __________ a lot of money from her job.
2. I have __________ how to play the guitar.
3. He has __________ a lot about history from his teacher.
4. They have __________ a new language while traveling abroad.

Answer Key:

1. She has earnt a lot of money from her job.
2. I have learnt how to play the guitar.
3. He has learnt a lot about history from his teacher.
4. They have learnt a new language while traveling abroad.

Exercise 2:

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. He has __________ his degree in engineering.
1. earnt
2. learnt
2. She has __________ a lot about cooking from her mother.
1. earnt
2. learnt
3. They have __________ a lot of respect from their colleagues.
1. earnt
2. learnt

Answer Key:

1. He has earnt his degree in engineering.
2. She has learnt a lot about cooking from her mother.
3. They have earnt a lot of respect from their colleagues.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of earnt and learnt in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “earnt” and “learnt,” it is clear that both words have a place in the English language, but they are not interchangeable.

While “learnt” is the more common spelling in British English, “earned” is the preferred spelling in American English. However, both spellings are acceptable in their respective regions.

It is important to note that proper grammar and language use can greatly impact how others perceive us and our level of education. Therefore, it is crucial to continue learning about grammar and language use to ensure effective communication.

Remember to always consider your audience and the context in which you are writing or speaking. By doing so, you can ensure that you are using the appropriate spelling and grammar for the situation.

So, whether you have earnt or learnt something new today, continue to expand your knowledge and improve your language skills.