English Reference

Phrasal verb

brush up

Definition

phrasal verb. To improve your skills or knowledge in something you have not practiced for a long time. You use this when you want to remember what you once knew well.

phrasal verb. To improve or refresh one's proficiency in a previously acquired skill or area of knowledge. The verb can function intransitively or transitively, frequently taking the preposition 'on' before the object.

Examples

“I need to brush up on my Spanish before my trip.”

“Since she had not played the piano in years, she decided to brush up on her scales before the big audition.”

“Before the international conference, the lead researcher spent several weeks brushing up on recent developments in molecular biology to ensure her presentation reflected the most current data.”

Examples

simple

“I need to brush up on my Spanish before my trip.”

contextual

“Since she had not played the piano in years, she decided to brush up on her scales before the big audition.”

complex

“Before the international conference, the lead researcher spent several weeks brushing up on recent developments in molecular biology to ensure her presentation reflected the most current data.”

Usage

You can use it with or without the preposition 'on' before the subject you are studying.

Teaching tip

Encourage students to visualize 'brushing' the dust off an old skill to help them remember that this phrase applies to existing knowledge rather than new learning.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

brush + up + (on) + object

Synonyms

improvereviewpolishrefresh

Antonyms

neglectforget

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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