Brush Up On – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever prepared for a job interview by reviewing your Spanish? Or practiced piano before a family gathering because you hadn’t played in years? In English, you can say you’re brushing up on a skill or subject. This friendly, useful phrase means to review or improve something you already know—but haven’t used in a while.
What Does “Brush Up On” Mean?
“Brush up on” means to review, refresh, or improve your knowledge or ability in something you’ve learned before. Think of it like dusting off an old book—your knowledge is still there, but it needs a little polish to shine again. It’s not for learning something completely new; it’s for reconnecting with what you already know.
When to Use It
Use “brush up on” in casual, professional, or academic situations:
• Before travel or language use: “I need to brush up on my French before the trip.”
• When preparing for a test or interview: “She brushed up on coding before the tech interview.”
• For skills you haven’t practiced: “I’m brushing up on my piano skills this summer.”
It’s neutral—great for speaking, emails, and everyday planning. You’ll hear it often in work, school, and travel conversations.
Example Sentences
- I’m brushing up on my grammar before the writing workshop.
- He brushed up on his presentation slides last night.
- After ten years, I finally brushed up on algebra for my exam.
- They’re brushing up on customer service techniques before the store opens.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “You’re applying for that translator job?”
Jamie: “Yes! I’ve been brushing up on my Portuguese all week.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “brush up on” for completely new topics. If you’ve never studied chemistry, you can’t “brush up on” it—you’d “learn” it instead. Also, always include “on” after the phrase; you “brush up on” something, not “brush up” it alone.
❌ Don’t say: “I’m brushing up my Spanish.” (Missing “on”!)
✅ Do say: “I’m brushing up on my Spanish.”
✅ Do say: “She brushed up on Excel formulas before the meeting.”
Practice Tip
Think of a skill or subject you learned long ago—grammar, math, a language, or even dance. Say: “I should brush up on ______.” Then, spend 10 minutes reviewing it this week. Using the phrase with real intent builds confident, active English.
Final Note
Now you can use “brush up on” to talk about refreshing your knowledge—with honesty and purpose. It’s a humble, practical phrase that shows you’re committed to growth, not perfection. Keep listening for it in workplaces, classrooms, and travel prep. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people stay sharp. Keep going—you’ve got this!
