35 Other Ways to Say “From Scratch”

The phrase “from scratch” is often used to describe starting something from the very beginning, without any pre-made parts or preparations. It’s a common expression in cooking, business, and everyday conversations,

But you might be looking for some variety in how you use it. Whether you’re writing, speaking, or just looking for fresh vocabulary, learning alternative phrases can enhance your communication and make it more dynamic.

Using different expressions to convey the same idea can improve your language skills and make your communication more engaging. Instead of repeating “from scratch” over and over, you can mix things up with new terms. 

This will keep your audience interested and help you sound more versatile. So, if you’re ready to expand your vocabulary, let’s dive into 35 creative ways to say “from scratch!”

In this article, we’ll explore 35 alternative ways to express the idea of starting something from the ground up. We’ll include examples, tips, and insights that can help you understand how to use these phrases in different situations. 

Whether you’re talking about baking a cake or launching a business, there’s a perfect phrase for every scenario. Let’s get started!

35 Alternative Phrases to Say “From Scratch”

1. From the Ground Up

Scenario: Sarah decided to build her business from the ground up, starting with just an idea and a small budget.
Explanation: “From the ground up” emphasizes starting from the very foundation of something, just like constructing a building from the ground.
Additional Tip: This phrase works well in professional or business settings when describing the creation of something large and complex.

2. From the Beginning

Scenario: John had to start the project from the beginning when he realized the initial plan wasn’t going to work.
Explanation: “From the beginning” is a simple and straightforward alternative that can be used in most contexts.
Additional Tip: It’s great for everyday conversation and works well when referring to processes or tasks that need to start fresh.

3. From Square One

Scenario: After the server crash, they had to start coding the entire website from square one.
Explanation: This phrase is often used in professional or technical settings to describe the need to start from the very beginning of a task or project.
Additional Tip: It’s more casual than “from the ground up,” but still conveys the idea of beginning anew.

4. From the Start

Scenario: Maria baked the cake from the start, ensuring each step was followed to the letter.
Explanation: Similar to “from the beginning,” this phrase focuses on starting from the very first step of a process.
Additional Tip: It’s a great option when talking about tasks that require step-by-step instructions.

5. From Nothing

Scenario: Dan built his company from nothing, relying on his determination and resourcefulness.
Explanation: “From nothing” implies starting with no resources, which emphasizes the effort involved in the process.
Additional Tip: This phrase is often used in motivational contexts to inspire others to build something from scratch.

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6. From the Bottom Up

Scenario: Lucy had to redesign the website from the bottom up after the company decided to change its branding.
Explanation: Like “from the ground up,” this phrase stresses the idea of rebuilding or creating something from the very basics.
Additional Tip: It’s often used in business or technical environments, particularly when referring to large-scale projects.

7. From A Blank Slate

Scenario: The team started the design process from a blank slate, hoping to come up with something completely unique.
Explanation: A “blank slate” represents a fresh start, without any prior influences or limitations.
Additional Tip: This expression is popular in creative and artistic fields, where freedom and originality are valued.

8. From Zero

Scenario: After the competition, Tom had to go back to zero to develop a new strategy for winning.
Explanation: “From zero” focuses on the idea of starting with absolutely nothing or no progress at all.
Additional Tip: It’s effective in situations where a complete reset is required.

9. From the Top

From The Top

Scenario: Jane decided to go back to the top of her project after realizing it wasn’t heading in the right direction.
Explanation: “From the top” is often used when referring to restarting something from its very first stage, like in project management.
Additional Tip: It can be used in both personal and professional settings.

10. Fresh Out of the Box

Scenario: The new software was launched fresh out of the box, with no previous updates or changes.
Explanation: This phrase typically refers to something new, as if it’s just been taken out of the packaging.
Additional Tip: It’s more commonly used for products or projects that are brand new.

11. From the Starting Line

Scenario: After a long break, Mark had to begin his workout routine from the starting line.
Explanation: Like a race, “from the starting line” suggests the first step in a process, with no advantage or progress made yet.
Additional Tip: It’s a good fit for contexts involving competitions or athletic challenges.

12. From Scratch and Build

Scenario: Jenny had to scratch her original plan and build a new one from the ground up.
Explanation: This expression combines the idea of starting from scratch and actively building something as you go.
Additional Tip: Use this when you want to emphasize both the challenge and the active creation process.

13. From the Core

Scenario: David restructured the company from the core, focusing on its values and mission.
Explanation: “From the core” refers to the central or most important part of something, suggesting a deep and foundational change.
Additional Tip: This is a more philosophical way of describing the creation or rebuilding of something.

14. From Day One

Scenario: They’ve been working on the project from day one, and it’s finally paying off.
Explanation: “From day one” implies starting from the very first day, highlighting long-term effort and persistence.
Additional Tip: This phrase works well in personal stories or workplace contexts.

15. From the Ground Floor

Scenario: Alex began his real estate venture from the ground floor, working with limited resources and knowledge.
Explanation: “From the ground floor” refers to starting from the very basic level, often in terms of business or development.
Additional Tip: This phrase is commonly used in business and entrepreneurship when discussing the foundational stages of a project.

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16. Back to Square One

Scenario: After the software update caused issues, the team had to go back to square one and troubleshoot the entire program.
Explanation: Similar to “from square one,” this phrase suggests returning to the starting point after a setback.
Additional Tip: This is a helpful expression for situations where progress has been lost, and you need to start over.

17. Starting Anew

Scenario: After her last relationship ended, Sophie decided to start anew and focus on her career.
Explanation: “Starting anew” emphasizes beginning something fresh, often with a new perspective or energy.
Additional Tip: This phrase can be applied to personal development or beginning a new chapter in life.

18. Right from the Beginning

Scenario: Mark and Jane began their business venture right from the beginning, ensuring every detail was covered.
Explanation: This phrase underlines that everything is done from the start, with attention to detail.
Additional Tip: It’s commonly used when discussing projects that require careful planning from the outset.

19. Starting Over

Scenario: After his first draft was rejected, the writer had to start over and revise his manuscript.
Explanation: “Starting over” suggests that something didn’t work out, so you are beginning again with a clean slate.
Additional Tip: This expression is often used in contexts where things need to be redone or reevaluated.

20. Rebuilding

Scenario: After the company faced a crisis, the CEO focused on rebuilding the organization from the inside out.
Explanation: “Rebuilding” implies the restoration or creation of something new, often after it’s been damaged or broken.
Additional Tip: This works well for situations where you’re fixing or reimagining something that once existed.

21. From the Outset

Scenario: Emma was determined to follow her passion from the outset and launched her startup with a clear vision.
Explanation: “From the outset” emphasizes starting something from the very first moment or point in time.
Additional Tip: It’s commonly used when discussing the initial phase of a plan or project.

22. From the Ground Zero

Scenario: After the company was acquired, Peter had to start from ground zero and rebuild the entire team.
Explanation: “Ground zero” refers to the starting point, particularly when something is at its lowest or has been completely reset.
Additional Tip: It’s typically used in a negative context but can also be empowering when describing resilience.

23. Starting with a Blank Page

Scenario: When Sarah decided to write her novel, she started with a blank page, ready to let her imagination guide her.
Explanation: A “blank page” refers to starting with no preconceived ideas, allowing creativity to take over.
Additional Tip: This expression is ideal for creative endeavors such as writing or art.

24. Starting from the Roots

Scenario: In his new role, George aimed to start from the roots and understand the company’s culture before making changes.
Explanation: “From the roots” conveys the idea of going back to the very base or origin of something, focusing on the fundamental aspects.
Additional Tip: This phrase works well when you’re focused on the core principles of something, whether personal or professional.

25. With a Clean Slate

Scenario: After the scandal, the politician started with a clean slate, promising transparency and new ideas.
Explanation: A “clean slate” represents a fresh start, free of past mistakes or baggage.
Additional Tip: This is often used in situations where a person or organization is trying to move on from a previous failure.

26. From Square One

Scenario: After the technical failure, they had to restart the project from square one and reassess their approach.
Explanation: Like other phrases, “square one” emphasizes returning to the very beginning, often after a mistake or setback.
Additional Tip: It’s commonly used when discussing issues in projects that need a fresh approach.

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27. In the Beginning

Scenario: In the beginning, their startup was small, but with hard work, it soon became a major player in the market.
Explanation: “In the beginning” emphasizes the early stages of a process or journey.
Additional Tip: This is a useful phrase when recounting a story or describing progress over time.

28. From the Roots Up

Scenario: Sarah and her team built their nonprofit organization from the roots up, focusing on community engagement.
Explanation: “From the roots up” refers to starting from the very basic elements or origins of something, particularly in projects that require growth.
Additional Tip: Use this when emphasizing long-term growth or development, especially in businesses or communities.

29. From the First Step

Scenario: Tony decided to run his business from the first step, ensuring he focused on every detail of the process.
Explanation: “From the first step” focuses on the initial stage of a task or project, setting the tone for the rest of the process.
Additional Tip: This phrase works well in instructional contexts, where you are guiding someone through a process.

30. From Nothing to Something

Scenario: Mary started her clothing line from nothing to something, using just her creativity and passion.
Explanation: “From nothing to something” emphasizes the transformation from having no resources or plans to achieving success or progress.
Additional Tip: This phrase is motivational and often used in stories of success or overcoming adversity.

31. Going Back to the Drawing Board

Back To The Drawing Board

Scenario: After the failure of their first attempt, the engineers had to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new design.
Explanation: “Going back to the drawing board” implies returning to the initial planning phase after a plan has failed or needs improvement.
Additional Tip: This is a classic expression used in business, design, and project management contexts.

32. Building from the Bottom

Scenario: Once the company hit rock bottom, the CEO started building from the bottom and worked to regain trust.
Explanation: “Building from the bottom” refers to starting at the most basic or lowest level and working up to success.
Additional Tip: It’s commonly used in recovery or rebuilding contexts, especially in businesses or personal growth.

33. From the Inside Out

Scenario: Peter’s new startup grew from the inside out, focusing on employee well-being and company culture first.
Explanation: “From the inside out” suggests starting from the core of something, often referring to changes in mindset or culture before outward progress.
Additional Tip: This is often used when discussing deep or internal transformations that eventually lead to external results.

34. Starting from the Deep End

Scenario: Joe decided to start from the deep end of the project, tackling the toughest challenges first.
Explanation: “Starting from the deep end” implies beginning with the most difficult or complex part of something.
Additional Tip: It’s useful when describing a situation where you’re diving straight into the hardest aspects of a task.

35. Back to the Drawing Board

Scenario: After the first prototype failed, the team had to go back to the drawing board and improve the design.
Explanation: This expression emphasizes returning to the planning phase to create a better solution or alternative after a failure.
Additional Tip: “Back to the drawing board” works well in technical, business, and design settings when something doesn’t go as planned.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Variety: Using different expressions can make your language more engaging and dynamic.
  • Clarity: Certain alternatives can convey more specific meanings based on context.
  • Tone: The choice of phrase can change the tone of your message, from casual to professional.

Cons:

  • Overuse: Some of these phrases can sound repetitive if used too often.
  • Context: Not all alternatives are suitable for every situation. Some may sound more formal or casual depending on the context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a variety of ways to say “from scratch can enhance your communication, making it more interesting and suitable for different situations.

When you’re talking about starting a business, a project, or simply cooking a meal, these 35 alternatives provide you with the flexibility to choose the most appropriate expression. With the right phrase, you can capture the essence of starting from the very beginning in a fresh, creative way.

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