from one thing to another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from one thing to another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a transition or change from one subject, situation, or item to a different one. Example: "The conversation quickly shifted from one thing to another, making it hard to follow the main topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a film about walking, departure, escape, liberation, what catapults us from one thing to another, the oneness we should feel with all of it, pain and joy both, walking with this against our chests, our nightmares and our wounds, sometimes across the middle of nowhere.

Vice

Some aspects of my experience are not as salient as others, yet the aspects that remain at the periphery of my experience are, nevertheless, co-present as a background that allows me to focus in on some thing particular, or the ability to turn my attention from one thing to another.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

They want leadership that will bring change, but they also want leadership they can count on, not leadership that is full of surprises - that lurches from one thing to another.

Huffington Post

What has surprised you most about the top job? A. One is the breadth of topics or issues that you're confronted with on a daily basis, and you have to be able to go from one thing to another to another, and sometimes it feels like they're completely unrelated.

The New York Times

She will pass from one thing to another".

The New York Times

You take ideas from one thing to another.

The Guardian - Music

The mind skips from one thing to another.

The Guardian - Arts

It is important to look at them as you're graduating from one thing to another.

The Guardian - Film

Previously, he'd built trailers, driven semitrucks bounced from one thing to another.

The New Yorker

He has one of those minds that flits from one thing to another, like a bee hunting for pollen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Charles E. Harmon, another former adviser, agreed: "He was not a man who went from one thing to another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from one thing to another" to describe transitions where the specific nature of the 'thing' is less important than the fact of the change itself. It's effective when emphasizing the act of moving between different states, activities, or topics.

Common error

Avoid using "from one thing to another" too frequently in formal or academic writing where more precise and descriptive language may be more appropriate. Instead, consider using specific terms that clearly define the nature of the transition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from one thing to another" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adverb, or noun. It indicates a transition or movement between unspecified items, activities, or states. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "from one thing to another" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe transitions or shifts between unspecified items or states. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though more specific language may be preferred in formal writing. The phrase frequently appears in news and media, emphasizing its role in describing general changes or a lack of focus. Related phrases, such as "from one topic to another", offer more precise alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changing from one thing to the next

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the shift, but with a slightly less specific "thing".

shifting from one focus to another

Implies a change in attention or priority.

moving from one subject to another

Highlights a change in topic or area of discussion.

transitioning from one phase to another

Similar to progressing, but often used in more formal or technical contexts.

converting from one state to another

Highlights a transformation or alteration of condition.

from one extreme to another

Emphasizes a shift between two opposite states or conditions.

evolving from one form to another

Focuses on gradual change and development over time.

progressing from one stage to another

Focuses on advancement or development through different phases.

jumping from topic to topic

Suggests a rapid and often disorganized shift between subjects.

drifting from idea to idea

Implies a lack of direction or purpose in the transitions.

FAQs

How can I use "from one thing to another" in a sentence?

You can use "from one thing to another" to describe a transition or shift. For instance, "The conversation drifted "from one thing to another", making it difficult to follow."

What are some alternatives to "from one thing to another"?

Alternatives include "from one topic to another", "from one subject to another", or simply "shifting between things," depending on the context.

Is "from one thing to another" formal or informal?

"From one thing to another" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more specific language might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What does it mean when someone says they're going "from one thing to another"?

It typically means they are experiencing a series of transitions or changes, often rapidly or without a clear plan. It can imply a busy or scattered lifestyle.