1 A2 neutral
To begin a task or process again from the very beginning after it has failed or gone wrong
"The computer crashed and I lost all my work, so I had to start over."
start over
A2 neutral intransitive
To begin something again from the beginning, especially after a failure or setback
In plain English
To go back to the beginning and try something again from zero
What does "start over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To begin one's life, relationship, or situation again fresh, leaving the past behind
"After the divorce, she moved to a new city to start over."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To start again over from the top — returning to the beginning
Actually means
To go back to the beginning and try something again from zero
Usage tip
Very common in American English. 'Start again' is the British English equivalent. Can refer to tasks, relationships, careers, or life in general. Often carries an emotional weight when discussing personal matters like relationships or life choices.
Words that pair with "start over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
life relationship career project completely fresh from scratch
How to conjugate "start over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
start over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
starts over
he/she/it
Past simple
started over
yesterday
Past participle
started over
have + pp
-ing form
starting over
continuous
Hear "start over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "start over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "start over"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
begin again go back to square one restart start again start from scratch
Keep exploring
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