How to spell learn
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
learn
L-E-A-R-N
The part to watch: l + ear + n, with ear saying "ur". The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Learn sounds like "lurn", but the middle is spelt ear.
Learn is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with the letters ear. The letters ear do not always say "ear". In early, earth, heard and learn they say "ur", and in heart they say "ar".
Common mistakes with learn
- Wrong: lernRight: learn
- Wrong: lurnRight: learn
A way to remember it
You learn with your ear: l + ear + n.
Learn in syllables
learn
Learn has one syllable, so learn it as a whole word.
In a sentence
We learn new words every week.
Learn on the statutory list
Learn is on the Year 3 and 4 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 3 and 4, when they are 7 to 9.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with learn, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the letters ear
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as learn.
More words
Questions parents ask
Is it learned or learnt?
Both are correct in British English as the past tense: "I learned" and "I learnt" mean the same.
Spelling is one part of the picture
The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.