brush up on knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brush up on knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reviewing or refreshing one's understanding of a particular subject or area of expertise. Example: "Before the exam, I need to brush up on my knowledge of historical events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He suggests that teachers brush up on their knowledge of symptoms and never ignore a child whose behaviour fluctuates.

The Guardian

Has he missed the moment to moderate, to unite, to be less belligerent, to brush up on his knowledge about important issues?

The New York Times

In addition he should brush up on his knowledge of strategy concepts and frameworks to in order stimulate his strategic thinking.

Harvard Business Review

So there's no time like the present to brush up on your knowledge of what to expect and how to behave in Johannesburg, South Africa's business capital.

The Economist

By The New Yorker December 15, 2015 As the candidates practice their rejoinders and enunciation ahead of the Republican debate, you can brush up on your knowledge of the front-runners.

The New Yorker

When I was diagnosed HIV positive in 2011, I was quick to brush up on my knowledge of HIV and its treatment; I'm a science geek and a control freak and at that point I just needed to be in charge, that knowledge was my power.

Independent

I won't go into any details about XSLT, but needless to say you'll need to brush up on your knowledge of it.

TechCrunch

If you want to give it a try yourself, Cerego offers a number of demos here (and if you want to brush up on your knowledge of Silicon Valley luminaries, here is another good demo).

TechCrunch

Comic book fans may therefore have to brush up on their knowledge of other less well known female characters, while they continue the long, long wait for Wonder Woman to hit the big screen.

BBC

Thanks to the blog Spotify Classical Playlists, you don't need a textbook or a professor to brush up on your knowledge of lady composers past.

Huffington Post

You, too, can brush up on your knowledge of vino -- here's a crash course in wine, as told by these 14 charts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brush up on knowledge" when you want to emphasize the need to review and refresh existing information, rather than acquiring entirely new knowledge. For example, "Before the presentation, I need to brush up on my knowledge of the company's latest financial results."

Common error

While the phrase "brush up on knowledge" is generally acceptable, it may sound slightly informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "review" or "update" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brush up on knowledge" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of reviewing, refreshing, or improving one's existing understanding of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brush up on knowledge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the act of reviewing or refreshing one's existing understanding of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely acceptable across various contexts, though slightly less formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. Its primary function is to communicate the intention or need to reinforce existing knowledge. While versatile, it is important to select the most fitting alternative based on context. The high frequency of its use across diverse reputable sources reflects its widespread understanding and applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bone up on knowledge

This is a similar idiom with the same meaning but is less formal.

enhance one's knowledge

Emphasizes making existing information better or more complete.

refresh one's understanding

Focuses on renewing existing comprehension rather than adding new information.

sharpen one's understanding

Highlights improving the clarity and precision of one's comprehension.

review one's understanding

Suggests a formal or systematic examination of existing knowledge.

strengthen one's grasp

Emphasizes reinforcing one's understanding of a subject.

improve one's expertise

Highlights the enhancement of skills and abilities, often through practice and study.

update one's knowledge base

Implies adding the latest information to one's existing store of knowledge.

revisit one's expertise

Suggests a return to previously acquired skills or knowledge for review.

polish one's skills

Focuses on refining existing skills rather than general knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "brush up on knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "brush up on knowledge" to suggest reviewing or refreshing existing information. For example, "Before the conference, I need to brush up on my knowledge of the latest industry trends."

What is a more formal alternative to "brush up on knowledge"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "review one's understanding", "enhance one's knowledge", or "update one's knowledge base".

Is "brush up on knowledge" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "brush up on knowledge" might be considered slightly informal for academic writing. More formal alternatives like "revise" or "review" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "brush up on knowledge" and "acquire knowledge"?

"Brush up on knowledge" implies refreshing existing knowledge, whereas "acquire knowledge" means gaining new information or skills.