making something from scratch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making something from scratch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to creating something entirely on your own, without using pre-made components or ingredients. Example: "I love baking, and there's nothing quite like making a cake from scratch using fresh ingredients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"More romantically, it's making something from scratch – the slowness of it, it's quite a process".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Doyle of Local 40 thinks the love of work comes from the satisfaction of making something from scratch.

The New York Times

We're sort of making something from scratch rather than trying to keep a big ship steaming ahead.

Forbes

This big improvement is making something from scratch and definitely goes a long way to broadening its appeal.

TechCrunch

I love that feeling of making something from scratch and inviting people into that world".

Huffington Post

Or, if you're a cooking type, try making something from scratch that you normally buy boxed or take-out.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Besides, there isn't always time to make something from scratch, or fill the cupboard.

Independent

We usually come in with nothing and the three of us will make something from scratch, all in the same room, all at the same time.

The New Yorker

When I make something from scratch, he doesn't want to eat it, but he also rejects most store-bought dinners.

The New Yorker

I'm a chef, so I can't quite quash the need to have made something from scratch, be it a flapjack, breadsticks, tiny semolina biscuits, popcorn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think this kind of attitude comes from one kind of creator: the kind who makes something from scratch and fails to recognize the joy that can be found in other acts of creation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex or impressive achievement, using "making something from scratch" can highlight the skill and dedication required.

Common error

Avoid using "making something from scratch" when a simpler term like "creating" or "building" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making something from scratch" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to emphasize the effort and originality involved in a creation process. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in contexts ranging from cooking to business startups.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Forbes

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making something from scratch" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to emphasize the comprehensive effort and originality inherent in creating something from its most basic components. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is versatile and appears across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it effectively conveys a sense of dedication and thoroughness. When using this phrase, consider the context and avoid overuse in simpler situations where more concise alternatives might be more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms the general correctness and usability of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Creating from the ground up

Focuses on the foundational aspect of the creation process.

Building from zero

Highlights the absence of pre-existing components in the process.

Starting from the basics

Emphasizes the use of fundamental elements to begin the creation.

Constructing from raw materials

Focuses on the use of unprocessed ingredients or components.

Developing from inception

Highlights the creation process from its earliest stage.

Fashioning from base components

Focuses on crafting something using simple and essential parts.

Originating from first principles

Emphasizes the use of fundamental rules or assumptions.

Forming from the beginning

Highlights the temporal aspect of starting at the earliest point.

Generating from the source

Focuses on creating from the origin or primary resource.

Producing from constituent parts

Emphasizes assembling something from its individual elements.

FAQs

What does "making something from scratch" mean?

The phrase "making something from scratch" means to create something from its basic ingredients or components, without using any pre-made or pre-assembled parts. It emphasizes the effort and originality involved in the creation process.

How can I use "making something from scratch" in a sentence?

You can use "making something from scratch" to describe the creation of various things, such as food, software, or even a business. For example: "She enjoys "baking bread from scratch" every weekend."

What can I say instead of "making something from scratch"?

You can use alternatives like "creating from the ground up", "building from zero", or "starting from the basics" depending on the context.

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

Whether it's better to "make something from scratch" or use pre-made components depends on the specific situation. Making something from scratch often allows for more customization and control, but it can also be more time-consuming and require more skill. Using pre-made components can save time and effort, but it may limit customization options.