be born again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be born again" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to spiritual rebirth or transformation. An example is: "After his experience, he felt as if he had been born again." Alternative expressions include "experience a rebirth," "undergo a transformation," and "start anew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mark Vernon: Are humans born happy, able to create their own well-being, or do we need to be born again to overcome a 'sick soul'?

The Guardian - Opinion

But hopefully something will be born again".

The New York Times

He wanted to be born again.

The Guardian

It caused me to heal and be born again.

The New Yorker

Could Bush's war presidency be born again in Iran?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Tonight you can be born again," says a man.

The Guardian - Travel

"We pray to God to let her be born again and again".

Independent

When he died, he entered nirvana, never to be born again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In the 70's, you didn't have to be born-again to reach for notions of Apocalypse Now.

The New York Times - Books

You didn't have to be born-again to believe in Armageddon; everyone could see that it was right around the corner.

Vice

One example of this work is a music video he conceived called "He Will Be Born Again," portraying Mr. Chávez as a force permeating Venezuelan society.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In secular writing, apply the phrase metaphorically to objects, movements or systems that are being completely revamped, such as "the project was born again under new management".

Common error

Ensure you use "born" (relating to birth) rather than "borne", which is the past participle of "bear" meaning to carry or support. While they sound identical, "be born again" always uses the version associated with new life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be born again" functions as a passive verb phrase consisting of the auxiliary verb "be", the past participle "born" and the adverb "again". In many contexts identified by Ludwig, it serves as a predicate describing a state of complete renewal or spiritual conversion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be born again" is a highly versatile and correct English expression used to denote profound renewal. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts, where it describes everything from spiritual awakenings to the restructuring of financial instruments or political parties. While its origins are deeply rooted in religious discourse (specifically Christian and Buddhist concepts of rebirth), its metaphorical application is widespread. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, noting that it effectively communicates a transition from an old state to a new one. Whether you are writing about personal growth, religious experience or institutional reform, "be born again" serves as a powerful descriptor for total transformation and the rejection of a previous identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be born anew

Uses a slightly more formal adverb to emphasize the freshness of the start

experience a rebirth

Shifts the focus to the lived experience of the transformation

undergo a spiritual transformation

Explicitly identifies the nature of the change as spiritual

start a new life

A more literal and secular alternative describing a total life change

be regenerated

Carries a more biological or systemic connotation of restoration

find a new lease on life

Focuses on the duration and opportunity of the renewed state

turn over a new leaf

An idiomatic expression for improving one's behavior or life

be resurrected

Stronger religious undertone implying a return from total death

be revitalized

Focuses on regaining energy or vigor rather than a total new beginning

be reincarnated

Implies a literal return to life in a different form

FAQs

How to use "be born again" in a sentence?

You can use "be born again" to describe spiritual or personal renewal, such as: "After years of struggle, he felt he could "be born anew" and leave his past behind".

What can I say instead of "be born again"?

Depending on the context, you might use "experience a rebirth", "start over", or "undergo a transformation".

Is "be born again" always a religious phrase?

While it has strong roots in Christian theology, it is frequently used metaphorically in secular contexts to describe any significant recovery or "revitalization" of a person, idea or organization.

What is the difference between "be born again" and "be born anew"?

The two are largely interchangeable, though ""be born anew"" is often perceived as slightly more poetic or literary compared to the more direct "be born again".