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

Brush Aside: Meaning, Usage & FAQs

📖 Definition

To dismiss, ignore, or treat as unimportant someone or something, often without giving due consideration to their merits or points.

Examples in context

Despite his efforts, his suggestions were brushed aside during the project meeting.
She brushed aside her fears and took the leap into the unknown bravely.
Brushing aside the rumors, the team focused on their objectives and achieved success.

📖 Definition

To dismiss, ignore, or treat as unimportant someone or something, often without giving due consideration to their merits or points.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

It can be used with or without an object between the verb and particle.

Neutral

Appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to receive the action of being ignored or dismissed.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	brush aside	She brushes aside any criticism of her method.
Past Simple	brushed aside	They brushed aside his concerns during the meeting.
Present Continuous	brushing aside	He is brushing aside the suggestions from the committee.
Present Perfect	have brushed aside	We have brushed aside similar objections in the past.

💡 When to Use

Ignoring irrelevant matters

Use this when intentionally dismissing unimportant or misplaced remarks during discussions or arguments.

Example: "She decided to brush aside their trivial complaints and focus on the main issue."

Overlooking criticism

Apply this when choosing to disregard critical feedback that is perceived as unjust or unhelpful.

Example: "The artist brushed aside criticism to continue creating innovative work."

Dismissing advice

This is used when choosing not to follow advice, believing it lacks practicality or relevance.

Example: "He brushed aside his friends' advice and pursued his dream regardless."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using with an intransitive verb

❌ Wrong: She brushed easily.

✅ Correct: She brushed aside criticism easily.

💡 Tip: Always pair with an object to complete the action.

Incorrect word order

❌ Wrong: She criticism aside brushed.

✅ Correct: She brushed the criticism aside.

💡 Tip: Remember the phrasal verb order: verb + particle + object.

Mixing with unrelated verbs

❌ Wrong: She pushed aside his ideas.

✅ Correct: She brushed aside his ideas.

💡 Tip: Ensure the phrasal verb 'brush aside' is used correctly.

"In moments of adversity, do not brush aside your feelings, as understanding them can lead to profound wisdom and personal growth."

In Context

In the early 20th century, British suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and her followers were determined to secure women's voting rights. Often, their demands were brushed aside by the government, claiming society wasn't ready for such change. Despite being brushed aside, the suffragettes persisted with protests and hunger strikes. On one occasion, in 1910, Pankhurst organized a 'Women's Day' march to Parliament, believing they could no longer be brushed aside. The police reacted harshly, but the media attention it garnered could not be brushed aside. This proved crucial in shifting public opinion, showing that persistent brushing aside of their demands did not extinguish their spirit. Finally, after continuous pressure and shifting attitudes due to the war effort, the Representation of the People Act 1918 was passed, granting voting rights to women over 30. Pankhurst’s resolve demonstrated that when society chooses to brush aside rightful causes, those advocating for change must increase their efforts, changing the course of history.

Practice

BRUSH ASIDE - 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 his efforts, his suggestions were brushed aside during the project meeting.
How to Become a Hiker
2
Listen to example

She brushed aside her fears and took the leap into the unknown bravely.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Brushing aside the rumors, the team focused on their objectives and achieved success.
How to Become a Hiker

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

ignore disregard

Antonyms

consider

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The manager decided to ___ the proposal without a second thought."

brush over

brush aside

brush up

brush around

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Brush Aside

What is the origin of brush aside?

The phrasal verb 'brush aside' originates from the physical act of clearing or moving things out of the way with a brush, metaphorically extending to ideas or concerns.

Can brush aside be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Brush aside' can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various conversations. It suits settings where dismissal without ample consideration is the intent.

What is the difference between brush aside and ignore?

While both imply disregarding something, 'brush aside' often involves a more active decision to dismiss or ignore, whereas 'ignore' can be passive or more general.

Browse National Parks 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

In Context

BRUSH ASIDE - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Brush Aside

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega