start with a blank page

USAGE SUMMARY

"start with a blank page" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it anytime you want to refer to the idea of beginning something with little to nothing already in place, such as when you're beginning a project or starting something from scratch. For example, "When I started writing my novel I decided to start with a blank page and let the story take me where it would."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It's difficult to start with a blank page.

The New York Times

Rather, Edwards was required to forget all he knew about marketing and start with a blank page.

The Guardian - Tech

"In terms of policy, but not in terms of values, we start with a blank page," he says.

The Guardian

There is no fill option -- that would be cheating -- and you can start with a blank page, or pick one of 50 line drawings.

The New York Times

Let's start with a blank page, and open the door to new audiences; and to the new writers who will come from those new audiences".

The Guardian - Books

To get started, you either pick one of the company's many templates for your digital or print project or start with a blank page.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Were we starting with a blank page, perhaps that would be the case.

The Guardian

"He starts with a blank page, and he thinks of some kind of mathematical relation that may be able to describe the physics that he's thinking about, and then he starts with that equation.

The New Yorker

What starts with a blank page or often a wing and prayer ends with you standing on a set marvelling at how many people it takes to make an hour of drama – infinite, brilliant people taping down wires and adjusting wigs and murmuring lines in the quiet of a canteen and staring at continuity photos; all doing what they are doing because while it's not brain surgery, it matters.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Every creative project starts with a blank page and ends with a vision coming to life.

TechCrunch

In Lessig's Oz, as nowhere else in the world, points are deducted for starting with a blank page.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start with a blank page" to encourage a fresh perspective when initiating a new project, free from the constraints of previous approaches.

Common error

Avoid using "start with a blank page" as an excuse for inadequate research or planning. While a fresh perspective is valuable, grounding it in solid information ensures a more effective start.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start with a blank page" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of beginning a project, task, or endeavor with no prior constraints or preconceived notions. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

26%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start with a blank page" is a versatile idiom that encourages a fresh, unconstrained approach to new endeavors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's particularly relevant in creative and innovative environments, urging individuals to set aside preconceived notions and embrace originality. While not overly formal, the phrase is suitable for diverse settings. To "begin over" with a fresh perspective is indeed a wonderful and positive way to approach new challenges, as long as such method doesn't cause a lack of preparation in new projects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start over completely

Indicates a full reset of the project in question, going back to its base.

begin from scratch

Focuses on starting over completely, emphasizing the removal of prior work.

start from zero

Emphasizes the absence of a starting point, highlighting the lack of existing resources.

clear the decks

Suggests preparing for a new task by removing obstacles or old issues.

wipe the slate clean

Implies forgiving past mistakes and starting anew without any negative history.

make a fresh start

Highlights the opportunity for a positive change and a new beginning.

begin anew

Emphasizes starting something again, often after a period of inactivity or failure.

turn over a new leaf

Focuses on making a moral or behavioral change and beginning a better phase.

reboot and begin

Highlights the process of starting from the very beginning, often after a system reset.

reset and initiate

Emphasizes the active process of returning to a starting state and beginning a new process.

FAQs

How can I use "start with a blank page" in a sentence?

You can use "start with a blank page" to describe the beginning of a project or process where there are no preconceived ideas or limitations. For example, "The design team decided to "begin from scratch" and start with a blank page to generate innovative solutions."

What does it mean to "start with a blank page"?

To "start with a blank page" means to begin something without any existing structure, content, or limitations. It suggests a completely new beginning, free from prior influences or constraints. It is similar to "wiping the slate clean".

When is it appropriate to "start with a blank page"?

It's appropriate to "start with a blank page" when you need a fresh perspective, when previous attempts have failed, or when you want to encourage creativity and innovation. For instance, when designing a new product, you might "begin anew" and start with a blank page.

Is "starting with a blank page" always the best approach?

No, starting with a blank page isn't always the best approach. Sometimes, building on existing knowledge or frameworks can be more efficient. It depends on the context and goals. For example, if you are "making a fresh start", it might be best to analyze current strategies and change them from there.