making a fresh start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a fresh start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to beginning anew or starting over in a situation, often after a change or a difficult period. Example: "After the difficult year we had, I believe it's time for making a fresh start and focusing on our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"There was something about making a fresh start," he said.

The New York Times

The orchestra is making a fresh start of sorts next season.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm now on the way to getting out and making a fresh start," she added.

The Guardian

She moved with her children to a different shelter and set her sights on making a fresh start.

The New York Times

But with a bit of planning, making a fresh start in your career can be quick and effective.

The Guardian

There's one song called 'Can I Begin' which is about making a fresh start and moving forward.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making a fresh start" when you want to emphasize the positive aspects of beginning again after a significant change or challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "making a fresh start" for minor changes or routine tasks. The phrase carries a connotation of significant effort and transformation, so reserve it for situations that warrant such emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a fresh start" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the action of beginning something new after a significant change or challenge. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a concept or goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making a fresh start" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of beginning again after a change or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility is demonstrated through its frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. Alternatives like "starting over" or "beginning anew" offer similar meanings, although "making a fresh start" often implies a more deliberate and planned approach. When using this phrase, it's important to reserve it for significant situations, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts to maintain its impactful connotation. The prevalence of "making a fresh start" in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlights its widespread acceptance and appropriate use in formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting over

Focuses on the act of beginning again after a setback or failure.

beginning anew

Emphasizes a completely new beginning, often with a sense of optimism.

turning over a new leaf

Highlights a change in behavior or attitude towards a more positive direction.

getting a clean slate

Implies the removal of past mistakes or wrongdoings, allowing for a fresh start.

starting with a blank canvas

Suggests creating something entirely new without the constraints of the past.

embarking on a new chapter

Presents the idea of starting a new phase in life or a project.

reinventing oneself

Focuses on a significant personal transformation and a new beginning.

wiping the slate clean

Similar to "getting a clean slate", emphasizing the erasure of past issues.

launching a new venture

Specifically refers to starting a new business or project.

breaking with the past

Emphasizes a decisive departure from previous habits or situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "making a fresh start" to describe beginning again after a setback or change. For example, "After losing his job, he focused on "making a fresh start" by learning new skills."

What are some alternatives to "making a fresh start"?

Some alternatives include "starting over", "beginning anew", or "turning over a new leaf", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "make a fresh start" instead of "making a fresh start"?

"Make a fresh start" is the imperative form, used for giving a command or suggestion. "Making a fresh start" is a gerund phrase, functioning as a noun. The choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning.

What's the difference between "making a fresh start" and "starting over"?

While similar, ""making a fresh start"" often implies more deliberate planning and effort towards a new beginning, whereas "starting over" can be more general and imply less preparation or control.