What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
learn
Example
I want to learn how to play the guitar. [learn: verb]
Example
She learned a lot about history from reading books. [learned: past tense verb]
Example
I just learned that the concert has been canceled. [learned: past participle verb]
acquire
Example
He acquired a new car last week. [acquired: past tense verb]
Example
She has acquired a lot of experience in her field over the years. [acquired: past participle verb]
Example
I hope to acquire some new skills during my internship. [acquire: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Learn is more common than acquire in everyday language, especially in educational or instructional contexts. Acquire is more commonly used in business or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between learn and acquire?
Acquire is generally considered more formal than learn, which is more casual and conversational. However, both words can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context.
