brushing up on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brushing up on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the act of reviewing or refreshing one's knowledge or skills in a particular subject or area. Example: "Before the exam, I will be brushing up on my math skills to ensure I am prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He is brushing up on that, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe he was brushing up on dystopias and alphas.

The New York Times

To stop this, I suggest brushing up on the law.

The Guardian

Perhaps she was brushing up on her lines.

The New York Times

"She kept brushing up on me in that darkroom, I think".

The New Yorker

That means that contestants might be well served by brushing up on the oldies.

The New York Times - Arts

Five sigma meant that Linde should start brushing up on his Swedish.

The New Yorker

It is worth brushing up on the latest triumph or failure of the Springboks.

The Economist

Lately, Wall Street stockpickers have been brushing up on their meteorology too.

The Economist

Ms. Huddleston is brushing up on her French while awaiting Senate confirmation of her Mali appointment.

The New York Times

I would also recommend brushing up on digital and social media.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brushing up on" when you want to emphasize a light review or quick improvement, especially before an event or task.

Common error

While "brushing up on" is widely understood, it can sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider stronger verbs like "reviewing" or "revising" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

Brushing up on functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in English to denote the act of reviewing or improving one's skills or knowledge in a particular area. Examples show it applying to diverse subjects, from language skills to legal knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brushing up on" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe the act of reviewing or improving one's knowledge or skills. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and usability in English writing. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, it's versatile enough for various situations, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "reviewing" or "revising". To ensure effective communication, remember that this phrase is most appropriate when implying a light review or quick improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reviewing

Focuses on going over material again, often to reinforce learning.

revising

Implies a more thorough review, potentially involving corrections or updates.

refreshing knowledge of

Highlights the act of making one's knowledge current or up-to-date.

honing skills in

Emphasizes improvement and refinement of specific abilities.

improving proficiency in

Indicates a general enhancement of competence in a particular area.

studying up on

Suggests focused learning in preparation for something.

getting back into

Implies a return to a subject or skill after a period of inactivity.

polishing up

Focuses on making something already good even better, adding a touch of finesse.

reacquainting oneself with

Highlights the process of becoming familiar with something again.

going over

A simple way of referring to the act of carefully examining or checking something.

FAQs

How can I use "brushing up on" in a sentence?

You can use "brushing up on" to indicate reviewing or improving a skill or knowledge. For example: "I am "brushing up on" my Spanish before my trip to Mexico."

What is a good alternative to "brushing up on"?

Alternatives to "brushing up on" include "reviewing", "revising", or "refreshing knowledge", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "brushing up at" instead of "brushing up on"?

No, the correct idiomatic expression is "brushing up on". "Brushing up at" is not a standard usage.

When is it appropriate to use "brushing up on" in writing?

"Brushing up on" is suitable for general and informal contexts. However, for formal or academic writing, consider more precise verbs like "reviewing" or "revising" for greater clarity and sophistication.