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Teach vs Learn: What's the Difference?

A1 Similar Meaning Verbs

What's the Difference?

Teach" means to give knowledge to someone else, while "learn" means to acquire knowledge.

Memory Tip: Teach = give knowledge, Learn = receive knowledge

Teach starts with /t/, Learn starts with /l/

teach /tiːtʃ/

verb
To help someone learn something new.
Example:
My mom teaches me how to cook pasta.
Common patterns:
teach someone teach something
teach →

learn /lɜrn/

verb
To get knowledge or skills by studying or practicing.
Example:
I learn new words at school every day.
Common patterns:
learn something learn to do something
learn →

Common Mistakes

I want to teach how to play the guitar.
I want to learn how to play the guitar.
The speaker wants to acquire the skill of playing the guitar.
She learned her students every day at school.
She taught her students every day at school.
The teacher gives knowledge to her students, not acquires it.

Quick Practice

0/1 correct
1. I ____ new words at school every day.

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