to start anew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to start anew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the idea of beginning again or making a fresh start in various contexts, such as personal life, projects, or relationships. Example: "After the difficult year, she decided it was time to start anew and pursue her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Now is the chance to start anew.

The New York Times - Sports

The two resolved to start anew.

The New York Times

It's time to start anew.

The Washington Post

"We're trying to start anew.

The New York Times

It was time to start anew.

The Economist

We have to start anew.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's never too late to start anew.

The New York Times

Is it possible to start anew?

Harvard Business Review

Finally, they were ready to start anew.

The New York Times - Health

Sanchez has had to start anew three times.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Retreating to start-anew is part of the process.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain conciseness, consider if a simpler alternative such as "to begin again" would suffice, especially in formal contexts where the nuanced emotional tone of "to start anew" is not required.

Common error

While versatile, "to start anew" can sometimes sound slightly informal for highly formal writing. In those cases, opt for alternatives like "to recommence" or "to begin again" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to start anew" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable. Its purpose is typically to express an intention, desire, or opportunity to begin again or make a fresh start.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to start anew" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of making a fresh start. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Its frequency and appearance across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post suggest its acceptance in both formal and informal contexts. While versatile, writers should consider the specific tone required for their audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "to recommence" in professional settings. Ultimately, "to start anew" provides a hopeful and forward-looking perspective on new beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin again

This alternative is a more general and direct way of saying "to start anew", lacking the nuance of a fresh start.

to make a fresh start

This alternative emphasizes the idea of a new beginning, similar to "to start anew".

to turn over a new leaf

This alternative is more idiomatic and implies a change in behavior or attitude, adding a layer of personal transformation.

to start from scratch

This alternative emphasizes building something new, implying that the previous attempt was completely unsuccessful.

to wipe the slate clean

This alternative suggests forgetting past mistakes or failures and beginning without any prior baggage.

to have a clean slate

Similar to 'wipe the slate clean', this emphasizes the opportunity for a fresh, unburdened beginning.

to reset

This alternative is a more modern, technical term suggesting a return to a default or initial state.

to reboot

Similar to 'reset' but more informal, drawing a parallel with restarting a computer system.

to recommence

This is a more formal synonym for "to start anew", often used in official or business contexts.

to pick up where you left off

This alternative suggests a continuation of a previous activity, but after an interruption or setback, indicating a renewed effort.

FAQs

How can I use "to start anew" in a sentence?

You can use "to start anew" to express the idea of beginning again or making a fresh start. For example, "After the difficult year, she decided it was time "to start anew" and pursue her dreams."

What can I say instead of "to start anew"?

You can use alternatives like "to begin again", "to make a fresh start", or "to turn over a new leaf" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "to start anew"?

While generally acceptable, "to start anew" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "to recommence" or "to begin again" in such cases.

What's the difference between "to start anew" and "to start over"?

"To start anew" implies a fresh start with a sense of optimism and new possibilities, while "to start over" simply means to begin again, possibly due to failure or a mistake. The former has a more positive connotation.