Learn and Study are two very common English vocabulary words that every learner encounters, whether at a beginner or advanced level. While both words relate to acquiring knowledge, they are used in different contexts. This often causes confusion about when and how to apply them correctly.
Let’s explore the difference between Learn and Study and how to use them effectively.
1. What is Learn? – /lɜːn/
1.1. Definition of Learn
Learn is a verb in English. According to the Oxford Dictionary, Learn means "to gain knowledge or skill by studying, from experience, or from being taught."
It implies acquiring knowledge or skills through study, instruction, or life experience.
Examples:
Students have been learning how to write a letter.
Children learn everything from their siblings.
Next year, you will learn how to solve equations.
1.2. How to Use Learn
Use Case 1: To describe gaining new knowledge or skills through study, instruction, or experience.
He is learning to play the piano.
In facing my own death I learned about what really matters in life.
Even though he received no training, he can quickly learn on his job.
Use Case 2: To describe learning through repetition or reflection.
He learned this song as an inmate at a Texas prison.
The students have to learn one of Shakespeare's speeches for school next week.
Use Case 3: To describe changing behavior based on past experiences.
Children soon learn that bad behavior brings attention.
The company failed to learn any lessons from this experience.
We simply have to learn it all again.
1.3. Common Phrases and Idioms with Learn
Phrase | Meaning | Example |
Learn by heart | To memorize | She learned the poem by heart. |
Learn the ropes | To learn the basics of a job or task | Malcolm will show you the ropes. |
Learn your lesson | To gain experience from a mistake | I forgot my umbrella again—I have learned my lesson. |
Learn by rote | To memorize mechanically | Rote learning is discouraged here. |
Learn the hard way | To learn through difficult experience | I learned the hard way that shortcuts don’t help. |
2. What is Study? – /ˈstʌd.i/
2.1. Definition of Study
Study is also a verb. According to the Oxford Dictionary, Study means "the activity of learning or gaining knowledge, either from books or by examining things in the world."
It refers to spending time learning about a subject, usually through reading, attending school, or doing research.
Examples:
We study how to write content at school.
Young wishes his son would study harder.
The rehearsals make it hard for her to study for exams.
2.2. How to Use Study
Use Case 1: To describe learning from books or formal education.
He went to Monash University to study History and Economics.
He continued to work while studying.
Use Case 2: To examine something or someone carefully.
They studied their child's face thoughtfully.
Scientists carefully studied the new material.
2.3. Common Phrases and Idioms with Study
Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Study intensively | To study in-depth | This topic needs more intensive study. |
Study under someone | To be taught by someone | He studied under Picasso. |
Study up on something | To learn everything quickly | I want to study up on Tokyo before traveling. |
Study only a topic | To prepare selectively | Studying only one topic is risky in exams. |
3. Learn vs Study: Key Differences
Qua những định nghĩa phía trên, có lẽ bạn đã nắm được phần nào sự khác biệt của hai từ Learn và Study. Tuy nhiên, để giúp bạn hệ thống lại thông tin một cách chi tiết nhất, dưới đây là bảng phân biệt cơ bản nhất về hai từ này:
Learn | Study |
|---|---|
Không chỉ có nghĩa là học, Learn còn thể hiện sự hiểu biết và cách vận dụng sự hiểu biết, kỹ năng đó vào cuộc sống. Phạm vi sử dụng của từ Learn rộng hơn so với Study, có thể áp dụng với bất cứ lĩnh vực nào nếu nói đến chuyện học. | Mang nghĩa đơn thuần là học hành nghiên cứu và phạm vi ở trong trường lớp hay lớp học và
|
4. Exercises to Practice Learn vs Study
Exercise 1: Choose the correct word (Learn or Study)
I have to stay home to (study/learn) for the final exam.
That girl soon (studied/learned) that smiling helps make friends.
Has she ever thought of (studying/learning) to become a doctor?
When you (study/learn) for an exam, don’t get overwhelmed.
So, what was (studied/learned) from this problem?
I can (study/learn) a lot from reading novels.
I spend all day (studying/learning) how to sing.
Answers:
study
learned
study
study
learned
learn
learning
Exercise 2: Complete the sentences with Learn or Study
I am __________ to drive.
She __________ biology.
Nicholas is very diligent. He __________ for hours.
They are __________ to play the piano.
Children __________ to read and write in school.
Answers:
learning
studies
studies
learning
learn
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