Phrasal Verbs With ‘Brush’: Enhance Your English Vocabulary

Phrasal verbs are an integral part of the English language, providing a dynamic and versatile way to express ideas and actions. Learning and using phrasal verbs can greatly enhance your English vocabulary and make your conversations more fluent and natural. In this article, we will explore a range of phrasal verbs with the word ‘brush‘ [brʌʃ] and examine how they are used in context.

Basic phrasal verbs with ‘Brush’

Brush up (on) – Meaning: To review or improve one’s knowledge or skills in a particular area. Example:

• I need to brush up on my French before my trip to Paris.

Brush off – Meaning: To dismiss or disregard something or someone casually. Example:

• She brushed off his comments and continued with her work.

Brush aside – Meaning: To ignore or minimize the importance of something. Example:

• He brushed aside her concerns and proceeded with his plan
• He simply brushed all my objections aside

Brush away – Meaning: To remove something by sweeping or wiping. Example:

• He brushed away the dust from his jacket.

Brush in – Meaning: To apply something, usually a substance, using a brush in a specific direction. Example:

• She brushed in the paint strokes to create a smooth finish.

Brush out – Meaning: To remove tangles or knots from hair or fur using a brush. Example:

• She brushed out her daughter’s hair before school.

Brush through – Meaning: To quickly read or examine something. Example:

• I brushed through the report before the meeting.

Brush on – Meaning: To apply a substance, usually a liquid, using a brush. Example:

• She brushed on a layer of varnish to protect the wood.

Brush over – Meaning: To briefly mention or discuss something without going into detail. Example:

• The professor brushed over the historical context and focused on the main concepts
• The chairman brushed over the question of your appointment

Brush past – Meaning: To move quickly past someone or something. Example:

• He brushed past the crowd and made his way to the exit.

Brush down – Meaning: To clean or tidy something by removing dust or dirt using a brush. Example:

• He brushed down the shelves before arranging the books
• He was brushing the pony down
• I could hear the director brushing Sam down for being late again

Brush off – Meaning: To decline an invitation or request in a casual or nonchalant manner. Example:

• She brushed off his offer to accompany him to the event.
• The committee brushed off his enquiries with their usual “It’s under control, don’t worry.”
• She brushed him off

Brush up – Meaning: To quickly refresh or improve one’s knowledge or skills in a particular area. Example:

• I need to brush up on my guitar skills before the concert.
• I have to brush up (on) my French before I go to Paris

Brush in – Meaning: To blend or incorporate something into a larger entity. Example:

• The artist brushed in subtle details to bring the painting to life.

Brush out – Meaning: To remove or eliminate something completely. Example:

• The company brushed out the outdated policies and implemented new ones.

Learning and incorporating these phrasal verbs into your English conversations will help you express yourself more effectively and sound more like a native speaker. Remember to practice using them in context to reinforce your understanding and improve your fluency.

In conclusion, phrasal verbs with ‘brush’ provide a diverse range of meanings and can be used in various situations. By incorporating these phrasal verbs into your vocabulary, you will have a greater command of the English language and be better equipped to express your thoughts and ideas.