Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Brush Off': Meaning and Usage

"In the dance of life, one must learn to gracefully brush off what does not serve the journey to inner peace and growth."

📖 Definition

"Brush off" means to dismiss something or someone as unimportant, refusing to give it attention or let it affect your attitude.

Examples in context

Despite the harsh reviews, the actor brushed off the criticism to focus on his next role.
After failing the exam, he decided to brush off his disappointment and study harder.
She brushed off their negative attitude and continued with her presentation unperturbed.

📖 Definition

"Brush off" means to dismiss something or someone as unimportant, refusing to give it attention or let it affect your attitude.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can place a pronoun between 'brush' and 'off'.

Informal

Common in casual speech.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object, like rejecting advice or criticism.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	brush off	She always brushes off unwanted advice.
Past Simple	brushed off	He brushed off the criticisms effortlessly.
Present Continuous	brushing off	They are brushing off negative comments daily.
Present Perfect	have brushed off	We have brushed off many challenges over the years.

💡 When to Use

Dealing with criticism

Use it when ignoring or dismissing unwarranted criticism to focus on important matters.

Example: "Instead of arguing, she brushed off the negative remarks."

Ignoring minor disruptions

Apply this when someone intentionally overlooks small issues to concentrate on priorities.

Example: "He brushed off the interruption and continued working."

Rejecting unsound advice

Utilize it when one decides not to follow advice that seems impractical.

Example: "They brushed off his suggestion as impractical."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect placement of pronoun

❌ Wrong: She brushed it off criticisms.

✅ Correct: She brushed off the criticisms.

💡 Tip: Place the object after 'brush off'.

Using in formal writing

❌ Wrong: The judge brushed off the motion.

✅ Correct: The judge dismissed the motion.

💡 Tip: Use 'dismiss' for formal contexts.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: He brushed off.

✅ Correct: He brushed off the comment.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being brushed off.

Practice

BRUSH OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Despite the harsh reviews, the actor brushed off the criticism to focus on his next role.
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2
Listen to example

After failing the exam, he decided to brush off his disappointment and study harder.
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3
Listen to example

She brushed off their negative attitude and continued with her presentation unperturbed.
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Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dismiss ignore

Antonyms

acknowledge

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She decided to ___ the unhelpful advice and trusted her instincts."

brush off

embrace

welcome

In Context

During the American Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. faced immense pressure. Critics in government and media often attempted to diminish his impact. However, King chose to brush off these criticisms, focusing instead on his mission of equality and justice. In 1963, the Birmingham Campaign was a pivotal moment. Authorities tried to downplay the protests, but King and his supporters continued their push against segregation. Even as newspapers carried negative portrayals, King brushed off the smears, recognizing the greater need for social reform. His steady resolve was clear during his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech at the March on Washington. Afterwards, despite attempts by some politicians to brush off his vision, King's words resonated with millions, sparking a national dialogue about racial equality. By brushing off the harsh critiques, King turned obstacles into opportunities, influencing public opinion and eventually leading to legislative change, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. His ability to brush off the negativity while staying focused on his goals remains an enduring emblem of leadership.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Brush Off

What is the origin of "brush off"?

The term "brush off" derives from the physical action of brushing something away. It began to be used metaphorically in the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of dismissing something unimportant or irrelevant.

Can "brush off" be used in formal and informal contexts?

"Brush off" is primarily informal. In professional or formal settings, consider using alternatives like "dismiss". However, in casual conversations, it effectively conveys the act of ignoring or not taking something seriously.

What is the difference between "brush off" and "dismiss"?

"Brush off" is more informal and often used in conversational contexts, conveying a casual manner of ignoring. "Dismiss" is formal, fitting for professional settings when denying requests or rejecting propositions with authority.

Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

BRUSH OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Brush Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega