jumping from topic to topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'jumping from topic to topic' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone who is changing the subject of conversation quickly and often without any logical connection between the different topics. For example, you could say: "His conversation was so disjointed, he seemed to be jumping from topic to topic without making any sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She is hard not to warm to, jumping from topic to topic.

The Guardian - Film

Also, though Fiedler wisely avoids a year-by-year narrative, her jumping from topic to topic results in contradictions.

The New York Times - Books

But when they're combined into sentences and paragraphs, they are a jumble, jumping from topic to topic.

The Washington Post

This exercise will allow you to think creatively rather than jumping from topic to topic based on what Google offers up.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The crown had jumped from topic to topic, he said.

The Guardian

He jumps from topic to topic and, especially, filmic reference to filmic reference.

The Guardian - Music

They jumped from topic to topic, and only in places were sequentially narrative.

The New Yorker

Its brief chapters jump from topic to topic, the links between them growing ever more tenuous.

The New York Times - Books

I worried that he might think I was being "random" (a big putdown at Microsoft) because I jumped from topic to topic.

The New Yorker

In the course of an hour and a half Graef jumps from topic to topic frequently honing in on the problems that he believes continue to blight society.

The Guardian

Fallon's monologues jump from topic to topic, paying cursory attention to the goings-on in DC while banking on his slapstick talents.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context makes it clear whether the "jumping" is unintentional (due to confusion or disorganization) or a deliberate rhetorical strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "jumping from topic to topic" to describe skillful transitions or changes in subject that serve a clear purpose. This phrase typically implies a lack of coherence or focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jumping from topic to topic" functions as a descriptive idiom, typically used to critique or characterize speech or writing that lacks coherence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights a lack of logical flow between subjects, often implying disorganization or confusion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jumping from topic to topic" is a phrase used to describe discourse that lacks coherence. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and prevalent in various contexts, predominantly within News & Media. Expert analysis indicates that while grammatically correct and often used, its connotation is generally negative, pointing to a lack of focus or organization in communication. When employing this expression, writers should be mindful to accurately portray whether the shift in topics is disjointed and unintentional, rather than a skillful transition. Alternative expressions such as "frequently changing the subject" or "abruptly switching gears", can be employed to express similar ideas with varying degrees of emphasis on the abruptness or disorganization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently changing the subject

A straightforward and direct alternative.

shifting focus abruptly

Highlights the sudden change in attention.

rapidly changing subjects

Focuses on the speed of the change.

darting from subject to subject

Implies a quick and erratic shift.

abruptly switching gears

Uses a metaphorical term to emphasize the sudden shift in focus.

flitting between subjects

Suggests a light and superficial movement between topics.

digressing constantly

Highlights the act of deviating from the main subject.

moving erratically between topics

Emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the subject changes.

wandering conversationally

Emphasizes the lack of a clear direction in the discussion.

veering from one topic to another

Conveys a sense of deviating from a set course.

FAQs

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

You can use "jumping from topic to topic" to describe someone who changes subjects quickly and without logical connection, for example: "His presentation was difficult to follow because he kept "jumping from topic to topic".

What are some alternative phrases for "jumping from topic to topic"?

You can use alternatives like "rapidly changing subjects", "abruptly switching gears", or "frequently changing the subject" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to say someone is "jumping from topic to topic"?

Usually, yes. "Jumping from topic to topic" generally implies a lack of focus or coherence. However, in rare cases, it could describe a creative or stream-of-consciousness style, though this is less common.

What's the difference between "jumping from topic to topic" and "moving from topic to topic"?

"Jumping from topic to topic" suggests a more abrupt and disjointed change than "moving from topic to topic", which can imply a more natural or organized transition.