“From this to that” means moving, changing, or jumping between two things, points, states, or topics — one referred to as “this” (closer or already mentioned) and the other as “that” (further along or coming next). It’s a flexible, everyday phrase, not a fixed idiom with one strict definition, and its exact meaning bends to whatever “this” and “that” are standing in for in the moment.
You’ll hear it used loosely in conversation far more than you’ll see it in formal writing. Someone describing a chaotic day might say their mind kept jumping “from this to that,” meaning from one task or thought to another without much order. Someone describing a life change might say they went “from this to that” meaning from an old situation to a new one.
The Short Answer
“This” and “that” are demonstrative pronouns. “This” points to something near, current, or already on the table. “That” points to something farther away, upcoming, or different. Put “from… to…” around them and you get a phrase describing movement, transition, or contrast between two points — whether that’s physical, mental, emotional, or topical.
It rarely stands completely alone in real writing. Usually it’s part of a longer phrase, such as:
- “from this point to that point”
- “from this state to that state”
- “jumping from this to that” (topics, tasks, ideas)
- “go from this to that” (describing a change or progression)
Where You’ll See It Used
Describing scattered thoughts or tasks
This is the most common everyday use. It describes a lack of focus — moving between activities or ideas without settling on one.
“I couldn’t concentrate today. My brain kept jumping from this to that.”
“He works in bursts, flitting from this to that instead of finishing one project.”
Describing change or transformation
Here it marks a before-and-after — a shift from one condition, identity, or circumstance to another.
“The company went from this to that in less than a year — from a struggling startup to a market leader.”
“It’s strange how quickly a relationship can go from this to that.”
Comparing or contrasting options
Sometimes it’s used when weighing two choices, especially in casual speech where the specifics are obvious from context.
“I kept going back and forth, from this to that, trying to decide which one to buy.”
Why It Feels Vague on Its Own
Out of context, “from this to that” doesn’t tell you much — and that’s by design. It’s a placeholder phrase. Speakers use it when the specific items don’t matter as much as the pattern of movement or change itself. Compare it to saying “here and there” or “back and forth”: you’re describing a type of motion, not naming exact locations.
That’s also why it rarely appears as a standalone sentence in formal or professional writing. In an email or report, you’d normally name the actual things: “from the initial draft to the final version,” not “from this to that.” The vague version belongs in speech, informal writing, and situations where the listener already knows what “this” and “that” refer to.
Similar Phrases and How They Differ
| Phrase | Nuance |
|---|---|
| from this to that | General movement or change between two unspecified points |
| back and forth | Repeated movement between two points, often indecisive |
| from point A to point B | More formal or technical, often used for processes or logistics |
| from here to there | Emphasizes distance or location rather than change |
| one thing to another | Similar informal meaning, slightly more common in writing |
Key Takeaways
- “From this to that” describes movement or change between two points, states, or topics.
- “This” refers to something near or current; “that” refers to something farther or different.
- It’s most common in casual speech, describing scattered focus, gradual change, or comparing options.
- In formal writing, it’s usually better to name the specific things instead of leaving them vague.
- It works similarly to phrases like “back and forth” or “one thing to another.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “from this to that” mean exactly?
It means moving or changing between two things — one nearby or current (“this”) and one further along or different (“that”). The exact meaning depends on context, since “this” and “that” stand in for whatever is being discussed.
Is “from this to that” a proper idiom?
Not quite — it’s more of an informal, flexible expression than a fixed idiom with one dictionary definition. Its meaning shifts based on what’s being described.
Can I use “from this to that” in formal writing?
You can, but it’s better suited to casual speech and writing. In formal contexts, naming the specific items you’re referring to reads more clearly and professionally.
What’s the difference between “from this to that” and “back and forth”?
“From this to that” usually describes a one-directional shift or transition, while “back and forth” implies repeated movement between two points, often suggesting hesitation or indecision.
Why do people use “this” and “that” instead of naming things directly?
Because in conversation, the listener usually already knows what’s being referred to, so naming things exactly would feel unnecessary or repetitive.
Phrases like this one show how much English relies on context rather than precision — small words doing a lot of quiet work. If phrases like this catch your interest, there’s more on Meaningiffied worth a look.
