brush through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brush through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to quickly or lightly going over something, such as reading or examining. Example: "I had to brush through the report before the meeting to get a general idea of the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't brush through right away otherwise it may bleed.

WikiHow

To brush through a fringe of leaves.

The New Yorker

Oh, I listened to the wind brush through the firs.

The New York Times - Travel

I run a brush through my daughter's torrential black hair.

The New York Times - Health

Each time you run a brush through your hair, you destroy the curls.

HuffPost

Brush through wet hair.

WikiHow

Brush through your Chihuahua's fur.

WikiHow

Run a brush through it.

WikiHow

Brush through it really good.

WikiHow

Gently brush through the fur.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Follow with a swift brush-through.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brush through" in the context of hair or fur, ensure you're conveying a gentle, detangling motion rather than an aggressive yanking. Use it to suggest care and maintenance.

Common error

Avoid using "brush through" in formal or academic writing when referring to reviewing documents. More precise terms like "analyze", "examine", or "review" provide clarity and depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "brush through" functions primarily as a verb of action, indicating a quick or light movement across something or a rapid review. Ludwig examples illustrate this in contexts like hair care and document review. The usage highlights its role in conveying swiftness and superficiality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

75%

News & Media

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "brush through" signifies a rapid or light action, commonly used in contexts like hair care and quick document reviews. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in informal contexts such as Wiki and news media. While versatile, avoid using "brush through" in formal writing where precision is key. Consider alternatives like "skim over" or "review" for increased clarity. Remember to use it thoughtfully to maintain the intended tone and depth in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skim over

Implies a very quick and light reading or examination, emphasizing the speed and lack of detail.

glance through

Suggests a brief look, often to get a general impression without detailed study.

comb through

Similar to the original when referring to hair, but also applicable to searching thoroughly through data.

leaf through

Refers to flipping pages quickly, often in a book or magazine, without reading everything.

flick through

Similar to "leaf through", indicating a fast and casual perusal.

run through

Can mean to rehearse quickly or to experience something rapidly.

scan through

Implies quickly looking for specific information without carefully reading everything.

thumb through

Involves using the thumb to turn pages quickly, usually without reading in detail.

zip through

Suggests moving or completing something very quickly and effortlessly.

touch upon

Indicates mentioning something briefly without going into detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "brush through" to describe a quick, superficial action, like "I need to "brush through" this report before the meeting" or a physical action, such as "She likes to "brush through" her hair before bed".

What are some alternatives to "brush through"?

Depending on the context, you could use "skim over", "glance through", "comb through", or "leaf through" as alternatives to "brush through".

When is it appropriate to use "brush through" versus "analyze"?

"Brush through" is suitable for quick, light reviews, while "analyze" implies a more detailed and thorough examination. Use "brush through" when speed is prioritized over depth, and "analyze" when a comprehensive understanding is needed.

Is "brush through" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "brush through" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive terms like "review", "examine", or "scan", depending on the specific action you're describing.