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Introduction

A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases and expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei.

Phil
And I'm Phil. Happy New Year!

Feifei
Happy New Year! Yes, it is very nearly a new year. Have you thought of any resolutions, Phil?

Phil
Well, I always struggle to get the homework done for my language classes, but I'm going to change that in the new year. I'm going to make a fresh start!

Feifei
Yes, good. And that's the phrase that we're going to learn in this programme – 'a fresh start'. You can see the word 'fresh' in there – it gives the idea of something new, and nothing bad has happened to it yet.

Phil
Yes, so when we talk about a fresh start, we mean we can do something new that isn't affected too much by the past.

Feifei
The start of a new year can offer people a fresh start, but we also use it to talk about starting a new job or moving into a new place.

Phil
Let's hear some examples of people talking about 'a fresh start'.

Examples
My brother and I have been arguing for weeks, but we've decided to have a fresh start and just get on with each other.

So, I've got a new job and I'm sad to be leaving, but I am looking forward to making a fresh start.

Oh gosh, I've just put chilli in the cookie dough. Let's just get some more dough and make a fresh start.

Feifei
We've been learning the expression 'a fresh start' to talk about the opportunity to start again.

Phil
It's good to notice that we often use the verb 'make' with the phrase 'a fresh start'.

Feifei
Yes, so, for example, I could talk about 'making a fresh start' in the new year.

Phil
That's it for this programme. I just want to say that if you feel that you want to make a fresh start with your English, we can help you.

Feifei
Yes. Come back to listen to the next episode of The English We Speak. We'll see you then! Bye.

Phil
Bye.

Learn a similar expression – turn over a new leaf

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