make a fresh start

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a fresh start" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when someone wants to begin a new endeavor, marking a turning point from the past and indicating a desire for a better future. For example: "This is a fresh start for both of us; let's make the most of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time to make a fresh start.

The New Yorker

I moved to Birmingham to make a fresh start.

The Guardian

Take charge and make a fresh start now.

The Guardian

Sixty-three wasn't too old to make a fresh start.

The New Yorker

When the iron curtain fell, they had a chance to make a fresh start.

The Economist

She promised we'd make a fresh start in her one-bedroom loft.

The New Yorker

Karen Pascoe left for Kennedy International Airport two weeks ago ready to make a fresh start.

The New York Times

I knew I needed to end the marriage and make a fresh start.

The New York Times

At least, under a new governor Italy's banking industry can make a fresh start.

The Economist

The case for auctioneering to make a fresh start in the 21st century seems unanswerable.

The Economist

Thereupon, he and Addison decided to make a fresh start with a new periodical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a fresh start" to emphasize a deliberate decision to leave behind past failures or negative experiences and begin again with renewed optimism and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "make a fresh start" repeatedly in a short piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "begin anew" or "turn over a new leaf" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a fresh start" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression, indicating the beginning of something new after a period of difficulty or change. Ludwig examples show its widespread use across various contexts to convey renewed hope and purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a fresh start" is a commonly used and generally accepted expression for initiating something new, particularly after overcoming difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. While the phrase is versatile, writers should consider the specific nuance and desired level of formality when choosing among alternatives like "begin anew" or "turn over a new leaf". Overusing the phrase should be avoided to maintain reader engagement. Predominantly found in "News & Media", its impact lies in conveying renewed hope and purpose. This makes it a powerful tool for motivating and signaling positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a new beginning

This alternative is a more straightforward way of expressing the idea of starting anew.

begin anew

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes the concept of starting again from the beginning.

turn over a new leaf

This alternative is an idiom that specifically implies making a positive change in one's behavior or habits.

start with a clean slate

This alternative emphasizes the idea of erasing past mistakes and starting without any prior negative marks.

wipe the slate clean

This alternative emphasizes the idea of erasing past mistakes and starting without any prior negative marks.

embark on a new chapter

This alternative is often used in the context of life changes and suggests a significant new phase or period.

make a clean break

This alternative emphasizes severing ties with the past and starting entirely afresh.

start from scratch

This alternative implies building something new from the very beginning, without relying on anything from the past.

get a second chance

This alternative emphasizes the opportunity to rectify past errors or failures.

open a new door

This alternative is an idiom implying discover a new opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "make a fresh start" in a sentence?

You can use "make a fresh start" to indicate beginning something new, such as "After the divorce, she decided to "make a fresh start" in a new city".

What's a more formal way to say "make a fresh start"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "begin anew" or "embark on a new chapter" as alternatives to ""make a fresh start"".

Is it always appropriate to use "make a fresh start"?

While generally versatile, ""make a fresh start"" might be too informal for highly formal or technical writing. Assess your audience and the tone of your writing to ensure it fits.

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

"Make a clean break" implies severing ties with the past, while ""make a fresh start"" simply means beginning again, not necessarily cutting off previous connections.