leaping from topic to topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaping from topic to topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conversation or writing style that shifts rapidly between different subjects without a clear connection. Example: "During the meeting, she kept leaping from topic to topic, making it hard for anyone to follow her train of thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

By leaping from topic to topic, he forces his brain to give each problem far more attention than familiarity would allow.

The New Yorker

Lamb's conversation with the doctor continued incoherently, with Lamb "leaping from topic to topic", in Yaworsky's words.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Curry eschewed a linear framework and leaped freely from topic to topic, though always with appropriate transitions and conjoining thoughts.

Huffington Post

His books are broken-backed affairs which leap erratically from topic to topic.

The Guardian - Books

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

The New York Times - Books

Dividers are good if your teacher chooses to jump from topic to topic.

WikiHow

It leaps without warning from topic to topic: during one particularly head-spinning section we go from Muhammad Ali's unerring ability to find racist undercurrents in innocuous adverts, to Aretha Franklin's love of soap operas to Martin Luther King in the space of about two minutes.

The Guardian - Music

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

The Guardian

He hops knowledgeably and divertingly from topic to topic.

The Economist

He moves from topic to topic at a healthy pace.

The New York Times - Books

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

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "leaping from topic to topic", ensure that it accurately reflects the abruptness and lack of connection between the subjects being discussed. Overuse can make writing seem disorganized.

Common error

Avoid using "leaping from topic to topic" when the intention is to describe a thorough exploration of various connected subjects. The phrase implies a lack of smooth transition and focus, not comprehensive coverage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaping from topic to topic" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe a subject's manner of speaking or writing. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leaping from topic to topic" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a lack of focus or coherence in speech or writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted. While it can occasionally be used intentionally for stylistic effect, it usually carries a negative connotation. Common alternatives include "jumping between subjects" and "changing subjects abruptly". When using this phrase, be mindful of its implications and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jumping between subjects

Replaces "leaping" with "jumping" and "topic" with "subjects", maintaining the core meaning of switching abruptly.

changing subjects abruptly

Focuses on the sudden change in subjects, using "abruptly" to emphasize the lack of smooth transition.

hopping from one subject to another

Uses "hopping" to suggest a quick and light transition between subjects.

darting between topics

Emphasizes the speed and lack of clear direction in changing topics.

flitting from topic to topic

Suggests a superficial and restless movement between topics.

digressing frequently

Highlights the act of straying away from the main topic or subject.

wandering off on tangents

Emphasizes the act of deviating from the main subject into related but distinct areas.

lacking focus in conversation

Shifts the focus to the lack of concentration rather than the act of switching topics.

presenting a stream of consciousness

Describes a narrative style characterized by continuous, unfiltered thoughts and associations.

changing the subject constantly

Focuses on frequent alterations of the main subject in the conversation

FAQs

What does "leaping from topic to topic" mean?

It describes a style of communication or writing that quickly changes between unrelated subjects without clear transitions.

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

You might say, "The speaker was "leaping from topic to topic", making it hard to follow their argument."

What's a less formal way to say "leaping from topic to topic"?

Alternatives include "jumping between subjects" or "changing subjects abruptly".

Is it always negative to be "leaping from topic to topic"?

While often implying disorganization, it can sometimes be used deliberately for stylistic effect, such as in stream-of-consciousness writing. However, most of the time it is considered as something negative.