brush away

USAGE SUMMARY

"brush away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the action of quickly clearing something away. For example, "He brushed away the crumbs from the kitchen counter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Those favouring exit brush away these points.

The Guardian

"Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home.

The Guardian

3. Knock salt from ducks and brush away remaining granules.

The New York Times - Food

"Brush away the petals (swish!) and blow the tree a tiny kiss".

The New York Times - Books

When he turned round, however, I saw him brush away a tear himself.

The New York Times

Stock phrases brush away awkward questions: "market sensitive", "national security", "pending legal proceedings".

The Guardian - Opinion

The dilemma is whether to try for reconciliation or brush away damaged personnel.

The Guardian

Varey attempted to brush away the phone, and the passenger accused him of assault.

The Guardian

When they run out, you throw the brush away — and, Hasbro hopes, buy a new tune.

The New York Times - Tech

1. Clean mushrooms, using your fingers to brush away dirt and remove woody parts.

The New York Times

Apply a little lip balm and gently brush away any dry skin with an old toothbrush.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brush away" to describe the quick and effortless removal of something, either physically (like crumbs) or metaphorically (like doubts).

Common error

Avoid using "brush away" when a more formal or precise term like "eliminate", "remove", or "disregard" would be more appropriate in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "brush away" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It describes the act of removing something quickly and often lightly. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples demonstrating both literal and figurative applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brush away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of quickly removing something, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's most common in news and media, as well as on wikis, with less frequent use in formal business or scientific contexts. When writing, use "brush away" to describe quick and effortless removal, but avoid overusing it in highly formal contexts where more precise alternatives like "eliminate" or "disregard" might be more appropriate. Remember that "brush aside" often implies a more forceful rejection, while "brush away" suggests a simpler, quicker action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brush aside

Very similar, but may imply a more deliberate or forceful action.

sweep aside

Focuses more on a sweeping motion, implying a broader or more forceful removal.

wipe off

Specifically refers to removing something from a surface with a wiping motion.

clear away

Suggests a more thorough removal, often involving multiple items.

dust off

Implies removing dust or minor debris, often from something old or unused.

dismiss

Refers to rejecting or disregarding something, often an idea or concern.

shrug off

Indicates a nonchalant dismissal of something, often a worry or responsibility.

play down

Suggests minimizing the importance of something.

wave away

Implies dismissing something with a hand gesture.

erase

Implies a complete removal, often of something written or recorded.

FAQs

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

You can use "brush away" to describe physically removing something, like "She brushed away the snow from the car", or metaphorically, like "He tried to brush away her concerns".

What can I say instead of "brush away"?

You can use alternatives like "sweep aside", "wipe off", or "dismiss", depending on the context.

Is "brush away" appropriate for formal writing?

While "brush away" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "eliminate" or "disregard" in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "brush away" and "brush aside"?

"Brush aside" ("brush aside") often suggests a more deliberate or forceful rejection or dismissal, whereas "brush away" typically implies a quicker, less consequential removal.