rebuild from scratch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rebuild from scratch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of starting over and creating something anew without using any previous materials or structures. Example: "After the fire destroyed the old building, the architects decided to rebuild from scratch to ensure a safer and more modern design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

You need a completely derelict party to rebuild from scratch.

The Guardian - Opinion

When economies have to rebuild from scratch, is there any silver lining?

The New Yorker

Those with a vision may want to scrap an entire settlement, buildings and all, and rebuild from scratch.

The Guardian - Tech

But they soon found that they had to rebuild from scratch: the car's sensors were already outdated, the software just glitchy enough to be useless.

The New Yorker

Somehow it makes sense that in less than 40 years, the University of California, Berkeley, has decided to jettison its museum and rebuild from scratch.

The New York Times - Arts

Because of the ability to rebuild from scratch, residents were able to apply the most modern building techniques to Greensberg 2.0.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

And it reflected an attentiveness to the ecological costs of tearing something down and rebuilding from scratch.

The New York Times - Arts

He had returned after every annual cleanup, rebuilding from scratch, and said he would do so again this time.

The New York Times

And what does the ideal district look like if we have to start rebuilding from scratch?" Tom Balthazar, the Ghent housing officer, feared that LOW could worry residents due to the utopian content of the models and ideas.

The Guardian

Those who overturn a system are rarely given a peaceful period in which to adjust, let alone to consider all the interests of society in rebuilding from scratch, free of the need for vigilance.

The Guardian

Rebuilding from scratch -- they had, after all, lost their homes and most of their closest kin -- they worked at low-paying jobs in dingy dress factories, luncheonettes, dry-goods stores.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rebuild from scratch" when emphasizing a complete restart after a significant setback or failure. This highlights the extensive effort and fresh approach involved.

Common error

Avoid using "rebuild from scratch" when a simple repair or modification is sufficient. Using it in minor situations can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rebuild from scratch" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a complete renewal or reconstruction process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used when starting over completely, without reusing existing elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rebuild from scratch" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies starting over completely. As per Ludwig AI's analysis, it's appropriate for describing situations where a complete renewal is necessary. It's frequently found in news and media, but also used in formal and business contexts. While versatile, it’s important to avoid overuse, reserving it for situations that genuinely require a complete restart. Related phrases include "reconstruct from scratch" and "rebuild from nothing", each carrying slightly different connotations. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reconstruct from scratch

Focuses on rebuilding something that existed before.

Reconstructed from scratch

Similar to 'reconstruct from scratch' but puts emphasis on the completed action.

Rebuild from nothing

Emphasizes the absence of resources or a foundation.

Recover from scratch

Highlights the aspect of overcoming a previous loss or failure.

Rebuild from zero

Uses a numerical reference to indicate a complete reset.

Recreate from scratch

Suggests making a new version that may differ from the original.

Redo from scratch

Implies a simpler or less formal approach to starting over.

Build from scratch

Focuses only on creating, without the implication of a prior structure.

Start from the ground up

Idiomatic expression meaning to start from the beginning.

Begin anew

A more poetic or formal way of saying to start over.

FAQs

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

You can use "rebuild from scratch" when you need to emphasize the total reconstruction of something, like: "After the hurricane, we had to rebuild the entire city from scratch".

What are some alternatives to "rebuild from scratch"?

Alternatives include "reconstruct from scratch", "rebuild from nothing", or "start from the ground up", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "rebuild from scratch" instead of "renovate"?

"Rebuild from scratch" is appropriate when the existing structure is beyond repair or completely obsolete. "Renovate" implies improving or updating an existing structure, while "rebuild from scratch" means creating something entirely new.

What's the difference between "rebuild from scratch" and "build from scratch"?

"Rebuild from scratch" implies that something existed before and has been destroyed or become unusable, requiring a complete reconstruction. "Build from scratch", on the other hand, refers to creating something new without any pre-existing structure.