starting over

USAGE SUMMARY

"starting over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to beginning something anew, either by learning it again or restarting from the beginning. For example, "She had some struggles in her first job so she decided to start over and try something different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She was starting over, newborn.

The New Yorker

Starting over is far from easy.

The New York Times - Books

"We're not starting over," he said.

The New York Times

And the Broncos were starting over again.

The New York Times - Sports

Not just starting over, but starting over nice.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm starting over," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Starting over as a graffiti writer?

The Guardian - Film

"Starting over with my family again," Renee said.

The New York Times

"For me it's kind of like starting over," she says.

Independent

But starting over may not be the best option.

The New York Times

It's life starting over".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "starting over", consider the emotional context. It can imply both hope and difficulty, so choose language that reflects the appropriate tone.

Common error

While "starting over" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "beginning anew" or "making a fresh start" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting over" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often used in the continuous tense to describe an ongoing process of renewal or commencement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. The examples show it in diverse situations, from personal rebirth to organizational restructuring.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starting over" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to express the concept of beginning anew after a significant change or setback. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts. It carries a neutral tone suitable for general conversation and news reporting. While prevalent, diversify your writing by incorporating synonyms like "beginning anew" or "making a fresh start" to maintain reader engagement. Remember, the phrase conveys resilience and the chance for positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making a fresh start

Highlights the act of initiating a new phase or chapter.

making a clean break

Stresses a decisive end to a past situation or relationship.

beginning anew

Emphasizes the fresh and untouched nature of the new beginning.

embarking on a new chapter

Evokes a sense of narrative and progress.

starting from scratch

Focuses on building something new from the most basic components.

wiping the slate clean

Indicates the removal of past records or errors.

turning over a new leaf

Suggests a change for the better, implying past mistakes.

resetting everything

Emphasizes a complete return to initial settings or conditions.

rebooting life

Implies a complete system reset, often used metaphorically.

relaunching oneself

Suggests a renewed presentation or approach to life.

FAQs

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

You can use "starting over" to describe the act of beginning something again after a failure or significant change. For example, "After losing his job, he was "starting over" in a new career."

What are some alternatives to "starting over"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "beginning anew", "making a fresh start", or "turning over a new leaf".

Is "starting over" formal or informal?

"Starting over" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym.

What does it mean to say someone is "starting over"?

When someone is "starting over", it means they are beginning a new phase in their life or career, often after experiencing a setback or significant change. It implies a fresh beginning and a chance to do things differently.