de...en vs. de...a

Question

Hola a todos:

Alguien me podría decir, por favor, si hay diferencia entre estas dos frases:

?Ir de lugar en lugar

?Ir de lugar a lugar

Muchas gracias de antemano.

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Hi everyone,

Could someone please tell me whether or not there is a difference between these two expressions:

?de lugar en lugar

?de lugar a lugar

Thanks so much in advance.

Answer 1

Mmm the first one is a common phrase to describe a person that travels a lot or that you can barely see him in his home. The second one doesn't sound quite right to me and maybe you can use it in a common sentence:

1.-Ya descansa un poco, nomás andas de lugar en lugar.
2.-Mi trabajo es muy cansado, ando de un lugar a otro.

Thanks Dakie - Izanoni1, Dec 17, 2010

You're welcome, nice to see you back. - Dakie, Dec 17, 2010

Answer 2

Dakie said:

The second one doesn't sound to me and maybe you can use it in a common sentence:

When you say that it "doesn't sound" to you, do you mean "no te suena (bien)?"

If so, in English it does not sound right to omit the adjective. For example, any of the following would convey the appropriate idea:

?The second one doesn't sound (quite) right to me.

?The second one sounds (a bit) odd/off to me.

Ok, well thanks Izanoni, since here in México we can say ( Me suena or Me suena bien ) I thought that I was making a good usage of the phrase, however, you still being the only person who corrects my english, one of the most impotant reasons why I am here - Dakie, Dec 17, 2010

No problem Dakie. I appreciate all the help you have given me with my Spanish as well - Izanoni1, Dec 17, 2010

Answer 3

I believe Dakie has touched the right concept. "De..en" is used for repetitive actions. De lugar en lugar, de tiempo en tiempo, de casa en casa, and so forth.

"De...a" is used for specific starting point - >end point travels or actions: De mi casa a la tuya, de hoy a mañana, de un año para (a) el otro...

Thanks Gekkosan. That is quite helpful - Izanoni1, Dec 17, 2010