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Is there a linguistic convention regarding whether to mention initial or current value first when describing change?

I believe analysis of cognitive processing (retention, attention and retrieval) demands during reading would recommend mentioning the initial value first. (The price of bread changed from $1 to $2) because it facilitates constructing a model as you read. Requirement to keep final value in memory until initial value is read might increase reading difficulty/comprehension.

However, "The price of bread changed to $2 from $1" seems equally common in current newspapers and magazines.

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    English provides multiple ways to express both orders, and there's also statistics and graphics. There is no standard -- you use what you think will work.
    – John Lawler
    Commented Apr 24, 2022 at 20:17
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    The choice is often based on what the writer wishes to emphasize.
    – Hot Licks
    Commented Apr 24, 2022 at 20:46
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    Chronology has the great advantage of logic. Don't need respectively here: For breakfast, lunch, and dinner I'm partial to a bagel with coffee, soup and sandwich, and a plate of cooked food with herbal tea and cookies.
    – Yosef Baskin
    Commented Apr 24, 2022 at 22:42
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    If "from to to" has been found to facilitate reading (constructing a model) that would override style sheet fashion.
    – Zan700
    Commented Apr 25, 2022 at 2:26
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    I agree with @Zan700. Intuitively a "from to to" style makes for smoother reading and comprehension.
    – suse
    Commented Apr 25, 2022 at 3:40

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