Learn vs. Learning: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 1, 2023
"Learn" is a verb denoting the act of acquiring knowledge or skill, while "learning" is the continuous process or the noun form of the act.
Key Differences
"Learn" and "Learning" both pertain to the acquisition of knowledge or skills, but they differ primarily in their grammatical roles. "Learn" is a verb, implying an action or an event of gaining knowledge or skill. For example, one might say, "I want to learn Spanish."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
"Learning," on the other hand, can be used both as a noun and as a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing). As a noun, it represents the knowledge or skill acquired. As a gerund, it describes the ongoing process of acquiring knowledge. For instance, "Learning Spanish is fun" uses "learning" as a gerund, whereas "His learning is evident" uses it as a noun.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
The difference between "Learn" and "Learning" also manifests in their usage in sentences. "Learn" often requires a direct object (something being learned), whereas "learning" can stand alone, especially when used as a noun, to indicate acquired knowledge or the ongoing process.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
To sum up, while both "Learn" and "Learning" relate to the acquisition of knowledge or skills, "Learn" is specifically an action verb, and "Learning" can refer to either the continuous process (as a gerund) or the result of that process (as a noun).
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Definition
Act of acquiring knowledge or skill
Continuous process or result of acquiring knowledge
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Usage in Sentence
Requires a direct object often
Can stand alone as subject or object
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Example
"She wants to learn."
"She enjoys learning." (gerund) "Her learning is vast." (noun)
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Learn and Learning Definitions
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Learning
Understanding gained from experience.
Through his travels, his learning deepened.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Learning
The process of studying a subject.
Online learning has become popular.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
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Learn
Understand, especially gradually.
I'm starting to learn what makes her tick.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Learning
Continuous engagement in the acquisition of knowledge.
She believes in proactive learning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Learn
To gain knowledge of or skill in through study, instruction, or experience
Learned how to sail.
Learned the new computer program.
Learn to speak Hindi.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
To become aware or informed of; find out
Learned the truth about him.
Learned that it was best not to argue.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
To fix in the mind or memory; memorize
Learned the speech in a few hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learning
(Psychology) Changes in behavior resulting from experience, especially changes due to conditioning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learning
(uncountable) Accumulated knowledge.
The department head was also a scholar of great learning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
To gain knowledge, information, comprehension, or skill
Learns quickly.
Learned about computers.
Learned of the job through friends.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
To acquire, or attempt to acquire knowledge or an ability to do something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learning
The acquisition of knowledge or skill; as, the learning of languages; the learning of telegraphy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
To gain knowledge from a bad experience so as to improve.
Learn from one's mistakes
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learning
The knowledge or skill received by instruction or study; acquired knowledge or ideas in any branch of science or literature; erudition; literature; science; as, he is a man of great learning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learning
The cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge;
The child's acquisition of language
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
To come to know; to become informed of; to find out.
He just learned that he will be sacked.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
To gain knowledge or information of; to ascertain by inquiry, study, or investigation; to receive instruction concerning; to fix in the mind; to acquire understanding of, or skill; as, to learn the way; to learn a lesson; to learn dancing; to learn to skate; to learn the violin; to learn the truth about something.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
To communicate knowledge to; to teach.
Hast thou not learned me howTo make perfumes ?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
To acquire knowledge or skill; to make progress in acquiring knowledge or skill; to receive information or instruction; as, this child learns quickly.
Take my yoke upon you and learn of me.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
Acquire or gain knowledge or skills;
She learned dancing from her sister
I learned Sanskrit
Children acquire language at an amazing rate
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
Get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally;
I learned that she has two grown-up children
I see that you have been promoted
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
Commit to memory; learn by heart;
Have you memorized your lines for the play yet?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
Impart skills or knowledge to;
I taught them French
He instructed me in building a boat
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Learn
Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort;
I want to see whether she speaks French
See whether it works
Find out if he speaks Russian
Check whether the train leaves on time
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
FAQs
Does "Learn" always require an object?
Often, but not always. For instance, "She loves to learn."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Is "Learn" the base form of the verb?
Yes, it can be conjugated into other tenses like "learned" or "will learn."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Is "Learn" used in various tenses?
Yes, like "learned" (past) or "is learning" (present continuous).
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Is "Learn" primarily about formal education?
No, it can be about any form of knowledge or skill acquisition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Are "Learn" and "Learning" interchangeable?
No, "Learn" is a verb, while "Learning" can be a noun or gerund.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Can "Learning" be the subject of a sentence?
Yes, e.g., "Learning takes time."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Can "Learning" denote an ongoing process?
Yes, e.g., "She is learning Spanish."
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Can "Learning" represent the result of the action "Learn"?
Yes, e.g., "The learning was evident from his results."
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
Can "Learn" imply understanding through experience?
Yes, e.g., "She learned resilience through challenges."
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
How is "Learning" used as a gerund?
It represents ongoing action, e.g., "I enjoy learning."
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
Does "Learning" always pertain to academic subjects?
No, it can refer to any knowledge or skill acquisition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
How does "Learning" relate to personal experiences?
It can denote understanding gained from experiences.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
Can "Learning" denote a method of study?
Yes, e.g., "Distance learning is now common."
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
