A1verb1K

Teach

UK /["/tiːtʃ/","/ˈtiːtʃɪz/","/tɔːt/","/ˈtiːtʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/tiːtʃ/","/ˈtiːtʃɪz/","/tɔːt/","/ˈtiːtʃɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give lessons to students in a school, college, university, etc.; to help somebody learn something by giving information about it

In simple words: To help someone learn something.

Examples

  • I want to teach you how to cook a delicious meal.
  • She will teach us about the solar system tomorrow.
  • My goal is to teach children the importance of reading.
  • He has the ability to teach complex subjects in a simple way.
  • Can you teach me how to play the guitar?
  • The coach will teach the players new strategies for the game.
  • My grandmother decided to teach me her traditional recipes.

Usage notes

Use 'teach' in a neutral or formal context, such as in classrooms or professional settings. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations unless referring to informal learning.

Grammar pattern

teach + object + object complement

Memory hint

Think of 'teach' as 'to reach' someone’s mind with knowledge.

Collocations

  • effectively
  • well
  • commonly
  • try to
  • be qualified to
  • be designed to
  • about
  • to
  • effectively
  • well
  • commonly
  • try to
  • be qualified to
  • be designed to
  • about
  • to

Synonyms

  • instruct
  • educate
  • train
  • coach
  • mentor

Antonyms

  • unlearn
  • mislead

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'learn' — remember, you teach someone, they learn.
  • Using 'teach' with incorrect prepositions, e.g., 'teach for' instead of 'teach to'.
  • Mistaking the past tense — the past tense is 'taught', not 'teached'.