a clean start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a clean start' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fresh beginning, such as the start of a new relationship, job, school year, project, etc. For example: "After a difficult year, they decided it was time to make a clean start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A clean start requires cleaning house, a new future deserves a new name.

Los Angeles Times

They want a clean start.

The New York Times

He was ready for a clean start.

The Washington Post

We need a clean start, small states.

The New Yorker

"Dwain now has his clean sheet and a clean start.

Independent

Indeed, a clean start was the original point of PiL.

The Guardian - Music

From next month she will have a clean start.

The Guardian

Allied bombs had destroyed his studio, giving him, in a sense, a clean start.

The New York Times

Lord Hattersley added: "What the party needs is a clean start.

Independent

Cycling The sport gets a rash of publicity and can recast itself with a clean start.

Independent

With a clean start, the remaining good banks would be able to raise capital.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clean start" when you want to emphasize a fresh beginning, especially after a period of difficulty or negativity. It suggests a deliberate intention to leave behind past issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a clean start" when it could be interpreted as ignoring past mistakes or avoiding responsibility. Ensure the context implies genuine learning and change, not simply a convenient escape.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean start" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used to describe a fresh beginning. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clean start" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a fresh beginning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "a clean start", ensure the context aligns with genuine change and accountability rather than merely escaping past issues. Alternatives like "a fresh start" or "a new beginning" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fresh start

Emphasizes the novelty and invigoration of beginning again.

a fresh start

Highlights the opportunity to start over without the baggage of past mistakes.

a new beginning

Highlights the initiation of something different from the past.

beginning anew

Stresses the concept of initiating something new and different.

a clean slate

Implies that past errors or issues are forgiven or forgotten.

a new chapter

Suggests that a significant part of one's life is ending and another is beginning.

starting over

Focuses on the act of beginning something again from the beginning.

a fresh perspective

Focuses on adopting a new viewpoint to approach a situation.

turning over a new leaf

Refers specifically to making a fresh start by changing one's behavior or habits for the better.

a fresh opportunity

Highlights the chance to start something new with improved prospects for success.

FAQs

How can I use "a clean start" in a sentence?

You can use "a clean start" to describe a fresh beginning, as in, "After the restructuring, the company was hoping for "a clean start"."

What's the difference between "a clean start" and "a fresh start"?

While both phrases signify a new beginning, "a clean start" often implies leaving behind something negative, whereas "a fresh start" simply means beginning something new.

What are some synonyms for "a clean start"?

Alternatives include "a new beginning", "a clean slate", or "starting over", each carrying slightly different connotations.

When is it appropriate to use "a clean start"?

It's appropriate to use "a clean start" when you want to emphasize the opportunity to begin again without the baggage of past mistakes or difficulties. It implies a desire for a fresh, unburdened approach.