begin anew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin anew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the idea of starting over or making a fresh start in a situation or endeavor. Example: "After the setback, she decided it was time to begin anew and pursue her dreams with renewed determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time to begin anew?

The New York Times - Arts

Let me begin anew.

The New York Times

Break your patterns and begin anew.

The New York Times

Page numbers begin anew with each text.

University of California, Berkeley

Page numbers begin anew in each text.

University of California, Berkeley

Then another drought will begin anew.

The New York Times - Sports

His life was about to begin anew.

The New Yorker

And the narrative curve is poised to begin anew.

The Washington Post

Then the inevitable Bill Parcells rumors will begin anew.

The New York Times - Sports

As it is Sunday I shall begin anew...

The New York Times - Books

"You can forget the past and begin anew".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "begin anew" in contexts where a sense of renewal or transformation is desired, such as after a personal challenge, a major project completion, or the start of a new phase in life.

Common error

While "begin anew" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "start over" or "make a fresh start" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin anew" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the action of starting something again from the beginning. According to Ludwig AI, it's used when emphasizing a fresh start after a significant change or ending.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin anew" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the concept of starting over with a sense of renewal. As Ludwig AI states, it's deemed correct and very common. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for professional writing and speeches. While "begin anew" effectively conveys the idea of a fresh start, writers should be mindful of the context and consider simpler alternatives like "start afresh" or "make a fresh start" for more informal settings. The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Start afresh

Emphasizes the newness and cleanliness of the start, implying a complete break from the past.

Make a fresh start

Focuses on the opportunity for a new beginning, often after overcoming difficulties.

Turn over a new leaf

Implies a change in behavior or attitude, suggesting a commitment to improvement.

Recommence

A more formal term for starting again, often used in official or business contexts.

Start from scratch

Highlights building something new without relying on any previous work or resources.

Resume

Suggests a continuation after an interruption, rather than a completely new beginning.

Begin from zero

Stresses starting without any advantages or prior progress.

Reboot

Implies restarting a system or process, often used in a technological context.

Reset

To set again to a prior setting. Usually implies a restoring to an initial configuration.

Take two

Informal way to indicate retrying after a failure.

FAQs

How can I use "begin anew" in a sentence?

You can use "begin anew" to signify a fresh start or a new beginning after a period of difficulty or change. For example: "After the company restructuring, we decided to "begin anew" with a renewed focus on innovation."

What are some alternatives to "begin anew"?

Some alternatives to "begin anew" include "start afresh", "make a fresh start", or "turn over a new leaf". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "begin anew" formal or informal?

"Begin anew" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "start over" or "start again". It's suitable for professional writing, speeches, and contexts where a more elevated tone is appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "begin anew"?

It is appropriate to use "begin anew" when emphasizing a deliberate and significant fresh start, especially after overcoming challenges or completing a cycle. It adds a sense of resolution and forward momentum to your message. For instance, after completing a major project or resolving a conflict, signaling a desire to "begin anew" indicates a commitment to moving forward positively.