clean slate

USAGE SUMMARY

'clean slate' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that means to begin again or to start anew. For example: After their argument, the couple decided to start over with a clean slate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clean slate".

The Guardian - Music

It's a clean slate.

The Guardian - Books

"A new, clean slate.

The New York Times - Sports

He's a clean slate".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Clean slate". Boom boom.

The Guardian - Music

A clean slate.

The Washington Post

It means a clean slate.

The New York Times

(Rubin calls this "Clean Slate").

The Guardian - Opinion

He added, "It's a clean slate".

The New York Times - Sports

Bradley can start with a clean slate.

The New York Times

"You start with a clean slate".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clean slate" when you want to emphasize a complete and total reset, where past events or issues are disregarded. It's appropriate in both personal and professional contexts when starting something new.

Common error

Avoid using "clean slate" if the situation doesn't truly allow for a complete disregard of the past. If prior history still significantly impacts the present or future, a different phrase might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean slate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It signifies a fresh start, free from past burdens.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clean slate" is a common and grammatically sound idiom signifying a fresh start or a new beginning. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to Formal & Business and Academia. The phrase conveys optimism and opportunity, suggesting that past issues are no longer a barrier. While alternatives like "fresh start" and "new beginning" exist, "clean slate" specifically emphasizes the removal of past burdens. Remember to use "clean slate" when a true reset is possible and the past can genuinely be disregarded for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fresh start

Emphasizes the idea of a completely new beginning, free from past mistakes or issues.

a fresh start

Focuses on the positive aspects of a new beginning and leaving past issues behind.

new beginning

Highlights the start of something new, leaving behind the old.

wipe the slate clean

A more active way of saying "clean slate", emphasizing the act of removing past issues.

clean sheet

Similar to "clean slate", but may imply a more organized or structured beginning.

fresh page

Suggests starting a new chapter, similar to beginning a new page in a book.

starting anew

A verb phrase emphasizing the act of beginning again.

blank canvas

Implies a completely empty and unburdened starting point, full of possibilities.

tabula rasa

A more formal term referring to the mind as a blank slate at birth, ready to be filled with knowledge and experience.

turn over a new leaf

Suggests making positive changes and improvements in one's life or behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "clean slate" to describe a fresh start. For example: "After the merger, the company had a "clean slate" to implement new strategies."

What is a good alternative to "clean slate"?

Alternatives include "fresh start", "new beginning", or "tabula rasa", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "clean slate"?

It's appropriate when a situation allows for a completely fresh start, where past mistakes or issues are disregarded or forgiven.

What does it mean to offer someone a "clean slate"?

Offering someone a "clean slate" means giving them an opportunity to start over without being judged for past actions or mistakes. It implies forgiveness and a chance for redemption.