jumping from problem to problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jumping from problem to problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is constantly shifting their focus from one issue to another without resolving any of them. Example: "In our team meetings, it often feels like we're just jumping from problem to problem without making any real progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

During those times when your thoughts are jumping from problem to problem and you can't seem to focus on the present, stop and breathe.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The problem is that I don't have many qualifications or a university degree, so I'm still jumping from one job to another," he said.

BBC

One problem is that over the 85-minute running time, they never settle on anyone or anything for long, jumping from gym to home and from one generalized idea to another.

The New York Times

This leads to the problem that the students are able to jump from interaction to interaction without really watching the video.

Smart Learning Environments

"I think part of the problem is the ads and themes seemed to jump from week to week," said Lee Miringoff, a pollster at Marist College in Poughkeepsie.

The New York Times

The biggest gainer was Suzuki, which jumped from 32nd place to ninth, with 49 fewer problems per 100 vehicles.

Forbes

The increasing fragmentation of the country's system of political parties added to the problem of governing, as the number of parties represented in Congress jumped from 22 to 28.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Therefore the jump from the first problem to the second one requires some discussion.

Biology Direct

"In Greece you had a problem with statistics and sincerity — when the deficit jumps from 6 percent to 14 percent, there's a problem.

The New York Times

Newt and Rae decide to escape their problems by committing suicide together by jumping from a height into water.

Wikipedia

But, Dr. Wilson recalled, "Jay jumped on the problem".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "jumping from problem to problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates a lack of resolution or focus on any single issue. It effectively conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or scattered.

Common error

Avoid using "jumping from problem to problem" when the intention is to describe solving multiple problems efficiently. This phrase often implies a lack of thoroughness or a sense of being overwhelmed, not efficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jumping from problem to problem" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to illustrate a lack of focused problem-solving. It highlights a state of shifting attention without resolution, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "jumping from problem to problem" describes a situation where there's a lack of focus or resolution when dealing with multiple issues. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. When writing, ensure the context implies a lack of thoroughness rather than efficient multitasking. Consider alternatives like "tackling successive difficulties" or "addressing consecutive issues" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tackling successive difficulties

Emphasizes overcoming challenges in a series, suggesting a proactive approach.

addressing consecutive issues

Focuses on the act of dealing with problems one after another, highlighting the sequential nature.

handling recurring challenges

Highlights the repetitive nature of the problems, suggesting they appear regularly.

facing ongoing obstacles

Focuses on the continuous presence of hindrances, implying a state of persistent adversity.

navigating a series of setbacks

Presents the problems as temporary impediments in a larger journey, emphasizing resilience.

encountering a chain of troubles

Suggests that problems are linked together, forming an interconnected sequence of difficulties.

dealing with a barrage of problems

Implies that problems are coming in quick succession, overwhelming the person.

experiencing a cascade of issues

Suggests the problems are happening in a domino effect, where one triggers the other.

battling a wave of difficulties

Presents problems as a force that needs to be resisted, implying active struggle.

contending with a stream of problems

Focuses on the continuous flow of problems, suggesting that they are unrelenting.

FAQs

How can I use "jumping from problem to problem" in a sentence?

You can use "jumping from problem to problem" to describe a situation where focus shifts rapidly between unresolved issues, such as, "The meeting felt unproductive as we kept "jumping from problem to problem" without reaching any solutions".

What does it mean to be "jumping from problem to problem"?

It means quickly shifting attention between different problems without fully resolving any of them, often leading to inefficiency and a lack of progress.

What are some alternative phrases to "jumping from problem to problem"?

Alternatives include "addressing consecutive issues", "tackling successive difficulties", or "handling recurring challenges". These phrases offer nuanced ways to describe dealing with multiple problems. Consider also "moving from one issue to another" or "bouncing from issue to issue".

Is "jumping from problem to problem" a negative expression?

Yes, it usually carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of focus and a failure to address issues effectively. It suggests a state of being overwhelmed rather than efficient problem-solving.