Start over/Start again

[Bonkers]

Dear teachers,

Are "start again" and "start over" interchangeable, or is there a subtle but important difference?

 

[bhaisahab]

Dear teachers,

Are "start again" and "start over" interchangeable, or is there a subtle but important difference?

In my opinion they are the same, the former is mainly BrE, and the latter mainly AmE.

 

[buggles]

Dear teachers,

Are "start again" and "start over" interchangeable, or is there a subtle but important difference?

I think it's just a difference between US and UK English. Here in the UK, we would always "start again" although we might also "start all over again" (usually if we are annoyed at having to start again!)

"I've just spotted a mistake, so I'll have to start again".

"I've just seen a dropped stitch, so I'll have to start all over again!!!!!"

It's only in the US, that people use "Start over".

buggles (not a teacher)