What is the difference between Teach and Learn?
The verbs teach and learn describe two different actions in education.
- To teach means to give knowledge or skills to someone. The teacher teaches the students.
- To learn means to get knowledge or skills from someone or something. The students learn from the teacher.
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Take our FREE Placement TestWhen do we use Learn vs. Study?
Learn and study are related but have different uses.
- We use learn when we talk about gaining new knowledge or a new skill. It often focuses on the result of the process. For example, I learned to play the guitar.
- We use study when we talk about the process of spending time to gain knowledge, often from books or in a classroom. It focuses on the activity itself. For example, I study history at university.
How do we talk about exam results: Pass and Fail?
When you finish an exam, there are two main results: pass or fail.
- To pass an exam means to succeed in it. You get a good enough mark.
- To fail an exam means you do not succeed in it. You do not get a good enough mark.
What verb do we use for doing an exam? Take an exam.
In English, when you participate in an exam, the correct verb to use is take.
- We say take an exam.
- We do not usually say 'do an exam' or 'make an exam'.
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Teach | To give knowledge or skills | My mother teaches me maths. |
| Learn | To get knowledge or skills | I want to learn English. |
| Study | To spend time gaining knowledge (process) | She studies hard for exams. |
| Pass | To succeed in an exam/test | He passed his driving test. |
| Fail | To not succeed in an exam/test | I failed my history exam. |
| Take | To participate in an exam/test | We will take the test next week. |
Examples
- My history teacher teaches us about ancient Egypt.
- I want to learn how to speak French.
- She is learning to drive a car.
- You need to study hard for your English test.
- He studies science at college.
- I hope I pass my maths exam tomorrow.
- Don't worry if you fail this test; you can try again.
- Students will take their final exams in June.
- Did you take the A2 Key exam last year?
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Get started with LangcomCommon mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish speakers sometimes confuse these verbs because of similar concepts in Spanish:
- Teach vs. Learn: In Spanish, 'enseñar' can mean 'to teach' or 'to show'. Remember teach is always 'to give knowledge'. I teach English. (NOT I learn English to students.)
- Learn vs. Study: 'Aprender' in Spanish can mean both 'to learn' and sometimes 'to study'. In English, learn is the result (gain knowledge), study is the process (spend time learning). I am studying for my exam. (NOT I am learning for my exam.)
- Take an exam: A common mistake is to say do an exam, which is a direct translation from 'hacer un examen'. The correct phrase is take an exam. I need to take an exam next week. (NOT I need to do an exam next week.)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between learn and study?
The main difference is that study refers to the process of gaining knowledge, like reading books or attending classes. Learn refers to the result – the actual acquisition of new knowledge or a skill. For example, you study a language, and then you learn to speak it.
Can I say do an exam in English?
No, it's not natural English. The correct verb to use when you participate in an exam is take. So, you should say I will take my English exam tomorrow, not I will do my English exam tomorrow.
How can these education verbs help me with the A2 Key exam?
These verbs are very useful for the A2 Key exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing parts. You might need to talk about your school subjects, what you study, or if you passed or failed a test. For example, in the Speaking Part 1, you might be asked about your favourite subject or what you want to learn in the future.
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