Differences between brush up and take up
Brush up means to improve or refresh one's knowledge or skills in a particular area, while take up means to start a new hobby, activity, or course of study.
Meanings and Definitions: brush up vs take 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.
Take up
- 1Fill or occupy time or space.
An awful lot of my time at work is TAKEN UP with pointless bureaucracy nowadays.
- 2Make clothes shorter.
The trousers were too long so I TOOK them UP to make them fit.
- 3Start a new hobby, pastime, etc..
He TOOK UP squash as he felt he had to lose some weight.
Usage Examples: brush up, take 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.
take up
Example
She decided to take up painting as a way to relax.
Example
He takes up a new hobby every year to challenge himself.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Brush up
polish up
To improve or refine something that already exists.
Example
He decided to polish up his presentation skills before the big meeting.
To go back and review or reconsider something that was previously done or discussed.
Example
Let's revisit the marketing strategy and see if there are any areas we can improve.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up
pick up
To start learning or doing something new informally or casually.
Example
He decided to pick up photography as a hobby after taking some pictures on his phone.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “brush”
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Differences in brush up vs take up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: brush up or take up?
In daily conversation, people use brush up more often than take up. This is because brush up is used for more practical purposes such as refreshing one's memory before an exam or improving one's language skills. Take up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting a new hobby or activity. So, while both phrases are used, brush up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of brush up and take up
Brush up and take up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of brush up and take up
The tone of brush up and take up can differ based on context. Brush up often carries a positive and motivated tone when related to improving one's skills or knowledge, while take up typically has an adventurous and curious tone, especially when referring to starting a new hobby or activity.
