project from scratch

USAGE SUMMARY

"project from scratch" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to when you are starting a new project from the beginning, rather than continuing on with something that already exists. For example, "I'm starting this website project from scratch, so I need to design it, code it, and create content from the ground up."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That means innovators do not have to start each project from scratch.

Columbia University

Given that we designed our project from scratch, the design process was one of our project's most difficult aspects.

Cornell University

We designed all of the hardware and software components of this project from scratch (other than the UART code).

Cornell University

Recognizing that the end-of-semester course project was a valuable teaching opportunity, I requested permission from the instructor to design a new course project from scratch.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Bradford emphasized that only a national developer with deep experience in a variety of mixed-use projects could hope to take on a job of this scale, though none would have started such a project from scratch.

The New York Times

"It has enabled me to develop a new research project from scratch".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

ERG taught me how to work hard, taught me how to fundraise, and how to build projects from scratch.

University of California, Berkeley

Before becoming disabled I was a successful operations manager, setting up projects from scratch, writing training manuals and recruiting staff to carry them out.

The Guardian

Foreign investors in Russia have had more success in building projects from scratch than they have in taking over existing enterprises.

The New York Times

Students typically start new projects from scratch when they change labs.

Science Magazine

Moreover, awardees who are starting their projects from scratch do not think that 3 years is enough time to produce results.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project that involved significant innovation or unique design, use "project from scratch" to emphasize the originality and lack of reliance on existing templates or frameworks.

Common error

While accurate, "project from scratch" can sound somewhat formal. In casual conversation, consider simpler alternatives like "new project" or "starting over" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "project from scratch" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner in which a project is undertaken. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies that a project is started from the very beginning, without building on existing foundations. See in the Ludwig examples to see how it's used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "project from scratch" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that emphasizes the complete originality and lack of pre-existing elements in a project's creation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. The phrase is commonly used across diverse areas such as "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", and maintains a neutral register. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on complete originality, and if not, consider using alternative, simpler phrases such as "new project".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start from a blank slate

Suggests the absence of previous marks or work done on the project.

create from nothing

Stresses the absence of materials or resources at the beginning of the project.

ground-up project

Emphasizes building a project from the very beginning, similar to "project from scratch".

develop from the ground up

Highlights a gradual approach from foundation to completion, which is a similar meaning to "project from scratch".

invent from the beginning

Emphasizes creating something entirely new rather than improving an existing version.

greenfield project

Highlights that the project is developed on a completely new site or system.

build from the foundation

Refers to the essential or groundwork elements used during construction, which is a similar meaning to "project from scratch".

start from zero

Focuses on beginning at the lowest or initial point, lacking any prior work.

new project

Focuses on the newness of the project, omitting the 'from scratch' aspect.

begin anew

Stresses the fresh start aspect of the project, without specific reference to its creation.

FAQs

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

You can use "project from scratch" to indicate that something is being created from its initial stage. For example, "We designed the entire system for our new business as a "ground-up project"", meaning the team started without any pre-existing code or design elements.

What are some alternatives to "project from scratch"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "new project", "develop from the ground up", or "start from a blank slate".

Is it better to build a "project from scratch" or modify an existing one?

The decision depends on your needs. Building a "project from scratch" allows for complete customization but can be time-consuming. Modifying an existing project may be faster but might limit your ability to implement specific features.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "project from scratch"?

The phrase "project from scratch" is most appropriate when you want to emphasize the innovative or original nature of a project, highlighting that it was created without any prior groundwork. For example when compared to improving an already functioning project, it should be used with the term "new project".