brush aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brush aside" is perfectly fine and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that an idea or suggestion is not taken into consideration anymore. Example: She brushed aside my suggestion to take the afternoon off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

His friends brush aside criticism.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Obama can brush aside these criticisms.

The New York Times

He seemed to brush aside that idea.

The New York Times - Sports

The liberal technicians brush aside this soft-headed mush.

The New York Times

Then it will brush aside all such offers.

The Economist

That makes it far easier for him to brush aside regional political demands.

The New York Times

And admirers of Céline the writer can no longer brush aside Céline the man.

The New York Times

If street crime can be policed or sidestepped, stadium issues are harder to brush aside.

Independent

That stimulus program has helped investors brush aside a few warning signs about the market.

The New York Times

He seemed to be trying to brush aside the issue as a technicality.

The Economist

And these interests are neither Washington's to cede nor Iran's to brush aside.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brush aside" when you want to convey a sense of dismissal or lack of consideration for an idea, suggestion, or concern. Ensure the context makes it clear that the action is intentional and not simply an oversight.

Common error

Avoid using "brush aside" in highly formal or professional settings where a more diplomatic or nuanced approach is required. Opt for alternatives like "address" or "consider" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "brush aside" is that of a phrasal verb. It's typically used to describe the action of disregarding or dismissing something, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "brush aside" is a common expression used to describe the act of dismissing or disregarding something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it can sometimes imply a lack of consideration, making it less suitable for highly formal settings. Alternatives like "dismiss", "disregard", and "ignore" can offer similar meanings with varying levels of formality or emphasis. Understanding the nuances of "brush aside" allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dismiss

A simpler, more direct way to express the act of rejecting something.

disregard

Emphasizes a lack of attention or importance given to something.

ignore

Focuses on the act of intentionally not paying attention.

overlook

Suggests a failure to notice something important.

reject

Indicates a firm refusal or denial.

discount

Reduces the importance or value of something.

shrug off

Implies a casual or indifferent dismissal.

wave away

Suggests a quick and dismissive gesture.

set aside

Highlights the act of postponing or disregarding something temporarily.

turn a blind eye to

Suggests deliberately ignoring something, often something negative.

FAQs

What does it mean to "brush aside" something?

To "brush aside" something means to dismiss it, disregard it, or treat it as unimportant. It implies a deliberate action of ignoring or rejecting something.

How can I use "brush aside" in a sentence?

You can use "brush aside" to indicate that someone is ignoring or dismissing something. For example, "The manager brushed aside the employees' concerns about the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "brush aside"?

You can use alternatives like "dismiss", "disregard", or "ignore" instead of "brush aside", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "brush aside" in formal writing?

While "brush aside" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound dismissive. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "address" or "consider" for a more neutral tone.