Differences between brush up and build up
Brush up means to improve or refresh one's knowledge or skills in a particular area, while build up means to increase or strengthen something over time.
Meanings and Definitions: brush up vs build up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Brush up
- 1Improve a skill quickly.
She took a two - week course to BRUSH UP her Spanish before she went travelling around South and Central America.
Build up
- 1Develop a company.
She BUILT the business UP from nothing into a market leader in less than a decade.
- 2Increase.
Tension has been BUILDING UP ever since the government passed the unpopular law.
Usage Examples: brush up, build up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
brush up
Example
I need to brush up on my French before our trip to Paris.
Example
She brushes up on her math skills before every exam.
build up
Example
He wants to build up his savings for a new car.
Example
She builds up her strength by exercising every day.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Brush up
polish up
To improve or refine something to make it better or more effective.
Example
She decided to polish up her presentation skills by taking a public speaking course.
To go back and review or reconsider something that was previously done or discussed.
Example
Let's revisit the proposal and see if we can come up with some new ideas to improve it.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Build up
To create or improve something over time through a process of growth or change.
Example
The company is planning to develop its online presence by launching a new website and social media campaigns.
To make something stronger or more resilient over time.
Example
He decided to strengthen his muscles by doing regular workouts and following a healthy diet.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “brush”
Phrasal Verbs with “build”
Differences in brush up vs build up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: brush up or build up?
In everyday conversation, brush up is more common than build up. This is because people often talk about improving their skills or refreshing their knowledge in different areas. On the other hand, build up is used less frequently and usually in specific contexts such as fitness or business.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of brush up and build up
Brush up and build up are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, build up can also be used in more formal settings such as business or academic contexts.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of brush up and build up
The tone of brush up and build up can differ based on context. Brush up often carries a positive and enthusiastic tone when related to learning or improving skills, while build up typically has a gradual and steady tone, especially when referring to increasing something over time.
brush up & build up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Brush up
Antonyms
