starting afresh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting afresh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a desire to begin again or to make a new start, often after a setback or change. Example: "After the difficult year, she decided it was time for starting afresh and pursuing her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

No one starting afresh would design today's municipal bond market.

The New York Times

The Australian public service understands that we are starting afresh.

The Guardian - Opinion

However O'Neill's latest announcement appears to be starting afresh.

The Guardian

Apple, starting afresh, has the opportunity to get it right.

The Guardian - Tech

Lets face it, everything is starting afresh with England.

The Guardian - Sport

After 36 years, though, Mr. Caine is also starting afresh.

The New York Times

It assumes moral beings, doing wrong, repenting and starting afresh.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He agrees with the concept of reformulating the committee and starting afresh," Aiello said.

The New York Times - Sports

Despairing Labour MPs would be liberated from their torment by starting afresh.

Independent

Leaving the Rhinos that year and starting afresh elsewhere proved a difficult transition for him.

The Guardian - Sport

At the age of 50 she is once again starting afresh.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "starting afresh", consider the context to determine if a more specific synonym, like "beginning anew" or "turning over a new leaf", might be more appropriate.

Common error

Be careful not to use "starting afresh" in contexts where the concept of a new beginning is already implied. For example, avoid phrases like "starting a new beginning afresh".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting afresh" typically functions as a verbal phrase, often used to describe the act of beginning something anew. As shown by Ludwig, it appears in various contexts, emphasizing the initiation of a new process or phase. It frequently occurs after setbacks or significant changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

12%

Sport

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "starting afresh" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of a new beginning with a clean slate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as business and sports contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward the informal and offers several synonyms like ""beginning anew"" and ""starting over"". When using this phrase, avoid redundancy and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting over

This is a very common and versatile alternative, implying a complete restart from a previous state.

making a fresh start

This alternative highlights the action of creating a new beginning, often after overcoming difficulties.

beginning anew

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the sense of renewal and opportunity.

starting from scratch

Emphasizes building something new without using existing resources or structures.

embarking on a new chapter

This alternative emphasizes the start of a new phase or period in life or a story.

turning over a new leaf

This idiom suggests a change in behavior or attitude, implying a commitment to improvement.

wiping the slate clean

This idiom conveys the idea of erasing past mistakes and beginning with a clean record.

making a clean break

Suggests a decisive separation from the past, allowing for a new beginning without lingering attachments.

resetting

Similar to rebooting, suggesting a return to a default or initial state.

rebooting

Implies a technological restart, can be applied metaphorically to life or projects.

FAQs

What does "starting afresh" mean?

"Starting afresh" means to begin something again, often after a setback or failure, with a clean slate and a renewed perspective. It implies leaving behind past issues and approaching the situation with a fresh mindset.

How can I use "starting afresh" in a sentence?

You can use "starting afresh" to describe various situations. For example: "After the company restructuring, we are "starting afresh" with a new business strategy", or "Following the divorce, she decided to "start afresh" in a new city".

What are some alternatives to "starting afresh"?

Some alternatives to "starting afresh" include "beginning anew", "starting over", and "making a fresh start". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "starting afresh" the same as "starting from scratch"?

While both phrases imply beginning something again, "starting afresh" suggests a renewed mindset and perspective, while "starting from scratch" emphasizes building something entirely new without relying on anything from the past.