Learned or Learnt?

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Anja
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Pencil 4 (150-199 Posts)
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Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 4:20 am
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Learned or Learnt?

Post by Anja »

Which is correct, "learned" or "learnt," Melanie asked.

BOTH are correct and acceptable.

"Learnt" is traditionally British English.
"Learned" is American English.

Be aware that "learned" can also be used as an advective. "Learnt" cannot.

I learnt that Joe was a very learned man.
(Meaning very educated. I pronounce the "ed' when using it as an adjective, as in "beloved.")

Melanie, the rule of thumb would be to be consistent in your verb form usage, whichever way you choose to spell it.

If you use "learnt," then also use "burnt."
Dreamt for dreamed.
Leapt for leaped.

And so on.
Ann Grover Stocking

"What remains of a story after it is finished? Another story..." Eli Wiesel
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