on a different thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a different thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when transitioning to a new topic or subject matter that is separate from the current discussion. Example: "We have discussed the budget extensively; now, let's move on a different thing, such as our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You may know someone who has "lucky" lotto numbers - though it can be fun to bet money on numbers that have special personal meaning, in random games of chance, you're never more likely to win by betting on the same thing every time than you are by betting on a different thing every time.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He's wrong and he's right: we have seen them bounce back, countless times, but "moving on" is a different thing entirely.

Vice

Seeking to impose a human identity on brute creation is a different thing.

The Guardian - Film

They've got to be deserving — a word that means a different thing depending on the night.

The New Yorker

When you move your finger on each UI element you feel a different thing.

TechCrunch

We are in a war on terror and American citizens is a different thing.

Huffington Post

You were a different thing depending on the radio station and what you were played next to.

Vice

"Things take on a different meaning when death comes so close.

The Guardian

Right now I'm working on a few different things—just recently did a shoot for Rookie magazine and have a few shows coming up.

Vice

Right now I'm working on a few different things – I just recently did a shoot for Rookie magazine and have a few shows coming up.

Vice

The series, which plays comedic variations on a different "important thing" every week (the first week's topic is timing; the second week's is power), has potential.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a different thing" to clearly signal a change in topic during a conversation or written piece. This helps maintain clarity and prevents confusion among your audience.

Common error

While "on a different thing" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your transitions with alternatives like "regarding a separate matter" or "on another subject" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a different thing" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It introduces a shift in topic, focus, or perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a different thing" serves as a useful phrase to indicate a change in subject matter. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To enhance writing, it is advised to vary the phrasing, using alternatives such as "regarding a separate matter" or "on another subject", and to use "on a different thing" judiciously to avoid repetitiveness. Although the phrase is common, remember to keep context in mind and choose the vocabulary that best reflects the degree of formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on another subject

A straightforward alternative indicating a change in the topic of discussion.

on a separate note

A common phrase used to signal a transition to a new, unrelated topic.

regarding a separate matter

Emphasizes the distinctness of the new subject under consideration.

shifting the focus

Indicates a change in the main point of attention or analysis.

concerning another issue

Highlights that a new, possibly problematic, aspect is being addressed.

turning to another aspect

Suggests a structured exploration of different facets of a broader topic.

with respect to another point

More formal, directing attention to a specific aspect that differs from the previous one.

let's consider something else

A direct and conversational way to introduce a new topic for consideration.

in relation to a different item

Focuses on comparing or contrasting two distinct items or elements.

in connection with another element

Indicates a shift to a related but distinct component.

FAQs

How can I use "on a different thing" in a sentence?

You can use "on a different thing" to introduce a new topic or perspective. For example, "We've discussed the budget; now let's focus "on another thing", our marketing strategy".

What's a more formal alternative to "on a different thing"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "regarding a separate matter" or "concerning another issue".

Is it correct to say "about a different thing" instead of "on a different thing"?

While "about a different thing" is grammatically correct, "on a different thing" is more commonly used to indicate a change in subject or focus. "About" generally refers to the topic itself, whereas "on" suggests direction or attention.

What are some ways to smoothly transition using "on a different thing"?

To smoothly transition, use a connecting phrase such as, "Now, "on a different thing", let's consider…" or "Switching gears, "on a different thing"…"