start with a clean slate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start with a clean slate" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to communicate the idea of starting fresh or with a blank/clear mind or situation. Here is an example sentence: "After the difficult breakup, Maria decided to start with a clean slate and move to a new city to begin a new chapter in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bradley can start with a clean slate.

The New York Times

"You start with a clean slate".

The New York Times - Sports

There, she could start with a clean slate.

The New York Times - Sports

Mobile gave us the opportunity to start with a clean slate from a technology perspective".

The New York Times

No! Just give me the chance, Spirit-elect, to start with a clean slate".

The New York Times

"But now they want to move past the difficulties and start with a clean slate".

The New York Times

Each year you start with a clean slate, it's a new challenge".

The New York Times

He said, ideally, they would have entirely new personnel on both boards so they could "start with a clean slate".

The Guardian - Sport

"Good planning does not necessarily start with a clean slate," said Frank E. Sanchis III, the society's executive director.

The New York Times

"If you could start with a clean slate," Mr. Firstenberg said, "the line of people who would want to be involved would be endless".

The New York Times

"You don't start with a clean slate, and the things you start may not come to full fruition on your timetable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start with a clean slate" when you want to emphasize the opportunity to ignore past mistakes or failures and begin fresh. It suggests a sense of optimism and new beginnings.

Common error

Avoid using "start with a clean slate" when the context requires acknowledging past issues as a foundation for future actions. The phrase implies a complete disregard for what came before.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start with a clean slate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an activity or process without considering past events or mistakes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It suggests a fresh beginning, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start with a clean slate" is a commonly used verb phrase that suggests a fresh beginning, free from the constraints or repercussions of past events. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct. Predominantly found in news and media, it's also used in wiki and scientific contexts, highlighting its versatility. To ensure effective communication, it’s important to recognize that while it encourages optimism, it implies disregarding prior events which could be unsuitable where acknowledgement of the past is needed. Alternatives include "make a fresh start" or "begin afresh", depending on the context. Remember to use it when the intent is to encourage a new beginning, unburdened by past mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wipe the slate clean

Similar, but more emphatic about removing past errors.

start over

A simple and direct way of expressing the idea of beginning again.

make a fresh start

Highlights the opportunity for a positive change in direction.

have a clean start

A slightly less common variation with a similar meaning.

begin afresh

Emphasizes a completely new start, sometimes implying a return to basics.

begin anew

More formal and literary way to say "start again."

turn over a new leaf

Focuses on personal reform and improvement.

start from scratch

Implies building something entirely new, without using anything from the past.

reboot

Modern term implying a fresh start, often in a technological context but applicable more broadly.

clear the decks

Suggests removing obstacles before beginning something new.

FAQs

How can I use "start with a clean slate" in a sentence?

You can use "start with a clean slate" to describe a situation where you're ignoring past mistakes and beginning again. For example, "After the merger, the company decided to "start with a clean slate" and restructure its departments".

What does "start with a clean slate" mean?

The phrase "start with a clean slate" means to begin something again, ignoring any previous errors or problems and making a fresh start.

What are some alternatives to "start with a clean slate"?

Some alternatives to "start with a clean slate" include "make a fresh start", "turn over a new leaf", or "begin afresh". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "start with a clean slate" in formal writing?

Yes, "start with a clean slate" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. While it's not overly technical, it's widely understood and doesn't carry any negative connotations. However, you could also consider more formal alternatives like "begin anew".