jumping from one task to another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jumping from one task to another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is frequently switching between different tasks or activities, often without completing them. Example: "In a busy office environment, employees often find themselves jumping from one task to another, making it difficult to focus on any single project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But thinking quickly and jumping from one task to another do not hold up as well.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

My ability to multi task my crazy life was lost, I jumped from one task to another trying to keep on track (unsuccessfully).

BMC Women's Health

My inbox is usually the biggest distraction that causes me to jump from one task to another so I make sure my phone notifications are off and my inbox is closed when I am working on big tasks.

Forbes

He saw that the administration was jumping "from one unfinished task to another" and risked letting Afghanistan destabilize and Osama bin Laden flee.

The New York Times

In a series of tests that required switching attention from one task to another, heavy multi-task had slower response times than those who rarely multi tasked.

BBC

There is also a difference between doing two tasks simultaneously and task-switching, or quickly moving from one task to another.

Huffington Post

People pride themselves on their ability to multitask, but when the mind jumps from one project to another -- for instance, from designing machine learning algorithms to helping someone with a client research project -- it takes about 15 minutes to get fully focused on the task at hand.

Forbes

Jumping from one incomplete task to another is an inefficient habit.

Huffington Post

The U.S. should not "jump from one unfinished task to another".

The New York Times

Two years ago, at 2730 Decatur Avenue in the Bronx, 9-year-old Julian Roman dropped from the roof, after jumping from one building to another, and then hanging on with little fingers not up to the task, banging off an air conditioner and landing feet-first with a force that knocked little bones through little wrist.

The New York Times

There's no point jumping from one rut to another.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal or critical, especially if you intend to simply describe the switching of the tasks.

Common error

Be careful not to use "jumping from one task to another" interchangeably with "multitasking". While related, multitasking implies doing multiple tasks concurrently, whereas "jumping from one task to another" suggests sequentially switching between them. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jumping from one task to another" functions as a descriptive phrase. It describes the action of frequently switching between different tasks or activities. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests this is a common and acceptable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jumping from one task to another" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes frequently switching between tasks. While Ludwig confirms its general acceptability, it's important to consider the context and desired nuance. Alternative phrases like "switching between tasks" or "task-switching" may be more appropriate in formal or technical settings. Be mindful of the potential negative connotations of inefficiency or lack of focus when using this phrase. Remember to use best practices and be aware of the potential confusion with multitasking to ensure your writing is clear and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

switching between tasks

Focuses on the act of changing tasks rather than a sense of restlessness or inefficiency.

shifting from one task to another

Similar to switching, but implies a more deliberate and managed transition.

task-switching

A more technical term for the same concept, often used in discussions of productivity and cognitive science.

multitasking

Implies doing multiple tasks concurrently, which is subtly different from sequentially changing tasks.

flitting between projects

Suggests a light, perhaps unfocused, movement between different projects.

bouncing from one thing to the next

Indicates a more rapid and perhaps erratic transition between activities.

moving from pillar to post

An idiomatic expression suggesting a lack of direction or stability in changing tasks.

juggling multiple responsibilities

Highlights the challenge of managing several tasks at the same time.

dabbling in various activities

Implies a superficial engagement with different activities, without deep commitment.

changing direction frequently

Focuses on the shift in overall direction or focus, rather than specific tasks.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "jumping from one task to another"?

You can use alternatives like "switching between tasks", "shifting from one task to another", or "task-switching" depending on the context.

Is "jumping from one task to another" grammatically correct?

Yes, "jumping from one task to another" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

What does "jumping from one task to another" imply?

It typically implies rapidly changing between tasks, often suggesting a lack of focus, inefficiency, or restlessness. The connotation can vary depending on the specific context.

How can I improve my focus when "jumping from one task to another" is unavoidable?

Try techniques like time blocking, setting clear priorities, and minimizing distractions. Focus on completing smaller segments of each task before switching, instead of leaving tasks completely unfinished. Or, consider to explore the concept of task-switching.