begin from zero

USAGE SUMMARY

"begin from zero" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to starting something anew or from the very beginning. Example: "After the failure of the project, we had to begin from zero." Alternative expressions include "start from scratch" and "start from the beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We will abandon the filming for the moment but we intend to begin from zero with the actors when we can".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Yet the comparison may not be quite so unlikely, given what is about to happen in the high court this week, where a revolt of a different sort of aristocracy is about to begin from two groups of people accorded automatic respect today: victims and celebrities.

The Guardian

The phrase that care is for the younger children and that education can begin from three was repeatedly heard.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

In practice, the later Mohist view would probably coincide roughly with the view attributed to a Mohist named Yi Zhi in a dialogue in the Mencius (3A5): "In care, no degrees; in practice, begin from one's parents".

SEP

Beginning from zero temperature and at high temperatures in ZB phase, ν ≈ 0.174 is obtained for 3C SiC.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

In ZB phase, beginning from zero pressures and at high pressures, compressional wave velocity v l increases while to that shear wave velocity v s decreases.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

In rock salt phase, beginning from zero pressures and at high pressures, compressional wave velocity v l increases while to that shear wave velocity v s decreases.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

We used a two-part model to assess the association between NCDs (coded as a continuous variable begins from zero) and health care utilization.

BMC Health Services Research

The Monte Carlo rally begins from five starting points: in John'O'Groats, Athens, Stockholm, Lisbon and Raguza.

The Guardian - Film

There were twelve games, each of which began from one of four configurations and had a starting motion, a movement vocabulary (nothing more complicated than walking, running, and some simple gestures), and an ending configuration.

The New Yorker

But the authorities say increased vigilance is needed, given that antiterrorism experts cite small boats as a particular threat — as evidenced in the deadly 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India, that were begun from two inflatable speedboats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begin from zero", ensure the context clearly indicates a complete restart or a return to the most basic level. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the extent of the reset, especially after failures or significant changes.

Common error

Avoid using "begin from zero" when a simpler phrase like "start over" or "begin again" would be more appropriate. "Begin from zero" carries a strong connotation of complete erasure of prior progress, so ensure this meaning is genuinely intended to prevent sounding overly dramatic or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin from zero" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of an action or process from its most basic or initial state. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a directive to start anew.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin from zero" is a phrase that signifies a complete restart, emphasizing the erasure of prior progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and understandable, though not particularly common. It finds its place in news, science, and general contexts, where the focus is on initiating something entirely afresh. While alternatives like "start from scratch" exist, "begin from zero" carries a specific connotation of a thorough reset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start from scratch

Implies completely discarding previous work and starting anew, often due to failure or inadequacy of the initial attempt.

start from the beginning

Indicates returning to the initial stage of a process or narrative, emphasizing a sequential order.

begin anew

Suggests a renewal or restart, often after a period of difficulty or stagnation.

start over

Highlights the act of redoing something, typically after an unsatisfactory outcome.

recommence from the ground up

Emphasizes a thorough and comprehensive restart, focusing on building from the foundational elements.

start with a clean slate

Implies erasing past mistakes or issues to allow for a fresh and unbiased approach.

reset and begin

Focuses on clearing existing configurations or settings to enable a new commencement.

restart from the base

Highlights returning to the fundamental or essential elements of a process or system.

take it from the top

An idiomatic expression often used in performing arts, directing to repeat from the start.

initiate from square one

Implies starting from the very first step or stage, often used in project management or planning.

FAQs

What does "begin from zero" mean?

The phrase "begin from zero" means to start something completely anew, as if nothing has been done before. It implies a fresh start, often after a failure or when previous efforts are deemed unusable. It's similar to "start from scratch".

When is it appropriate to use "begin from zero"?

Use "begin from zero" when you want to emphasize that you are disregarding all previous work and starting completely from the beginning. It's suitable when a project has failed, when old data is no longer valid, or when a new approach is required from the ground up.

Are there any synonyms for "begin from zero"?

Yes, several phrases convey a similar meaning. Some alternatives include "start from scratch", "start from the beginning", or "begin anew". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "begin from zero" formal or informal?

"Begin from zero" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in slightly formal or technical settings where the emphasis on a complete restart is important. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in very casual conversation.