What are the definitions of “brush up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Improve a skill quickly.
She took a two - week course to BRUSH UP her Spanish before she went travelling around South and Central America.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “brush up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb brush up is to quickly improve a skill or refresh one's knowledge about something. It is often used when someone wants to become better at a skill or remember something they have learned before.
What are the different verb forms of “brush up”?
| Root Verb | brush up |
| Third Person Singular Present | brushes up |
| Present Participle | brushing up |
| Simple Past | brushed up |
| Past Participle | brushed 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.
Example
He is brushing up on his cooking skills for the dinner party.
Example
Last year, they brushed up on their history knowledge before the quiz.
Example
I have brushed up on my computer skills to apply for a new job.
What kind of phrasal verb is “brush up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“brush up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She brushed up her Spanish before the trip.
Example
He brushed his cooking skills up for the dinner party.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“brush up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She brushed up her Spanish before the trip.
Example
He brushed his cooking skills up for the dinner party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “brush up”?
Good things to know
Does “brush up” have an informal or formal tone?
Brush up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic or professional discussions.
