make from scratch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make from scratch" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use it to describe the process of creating something without utilizing any pre-made components or parts. For example, "I love baking, so I always try to make my cakes from scratch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Hummus, guacamole and the like are super-easy and super-cheap to make from scratch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maybe not a groundbreaking selection, but how many of those dishes would you make from scratch?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The pine nuts never go to waste — I use them in a salad that I make from scratch.

The New Yorker

Laksa Malaysians tend to save laksa for special occasions because it is time-consuming to make from scratch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bobby Ananta's childhood treat, using leftover rice, is so much fun – actual rice crispies you make from scratch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's exceptional how much they make from scratch: the charcuterie, the butter, the bread … My mother was blown away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The woman's mother seems to make from-scratch meals in the tradition of the rezdore.

Vice

High quality, made-from-scratch meals come at a price, however.

The New York Times - Food

The explosion of convenience foods made from-scratch cooking seem irrelevant.

HuffPost

First thing made from scratch: Cream puffs.

The New York Times

It is made from scratch at Ippudo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing culinary creations, use "make from scratch" to emphasize the authenticity and quality of homemade dishes. This assures your audience about the high quality of the food preparation.

Common error

While "make from scratch" is widely understood, it can sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more precise language depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make from scratch" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically describes the act of creating something using basic ingredients or components, rather than relying on pre-made or processed items.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Food

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make from scratch" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe creating something from basic ingredients or components, emphasizing authenticity and quality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it's best used in neutral to informal contexts, as it may sound less professional in highly formal settings. Common in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Food writing, "make from scratch" conveys a hands-on approach and is well-supported by examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Alternatives include "create from the ground up" and "craft from raw materials".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create from the ground up

This alternative emphasizes the complete and fundamental nature of the creation process.

build from the ground up

Similar to 'create from the ground up', this highlights constructing something from its foundational elements.

construct from original components

This phrase focuses on the use of base elements or ingredients to build something.

craft from raw materials

This alternative emphasizes the use of unprocessed substances to create something.

form from basic ingredients

Focuses on using fundamental components to create a final product, often in cooking.

produce from first principles

This emphasizes creating something based on fundamental understandings or methods.

manufacture from base elements

This alternative highlights the process of production starting with simple elements.

assemble from constituent parts

Highlights the act of putting together something using its various pieces.

develop from initial stages

Indicates a process of growth or evolution from the very beginning.

fashion from unprocessed materials

Similar to 'craft from raw materials', this conveys creating something using materials in their natural state.

FAQs

How can I use "make from scratch" in a sentence?

You can say, "I prefer to "make from scratch" rather than using pre-made mixes." or "She decided to "make from scratch" to ensure the freshness of the ingredients."

What are some alternatives to "make from scratch"?

Alternatives include "create from the ground up", "build from original components", or "craft from raw materials", depending on the context.

Is it better to "make from scratch" or use pre-made ingredients?

Making something ""make from scratch"" allows for greater control over ingredients and often results in a fresher taste, but it requires more time and effort compared to using pre-made ingredients.

What does it mean when something is "made from scratch"?

When something is "made from scratch", it means it was created using basic or raw ingredients and without any pre-made components. It often implies a higher quality and more authentic product.