are back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where there is a repeated exchange or movement between two points, often in discussions or arguments. Example: "The negotiations have been back and forth for weeks, with no clear resolution in sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

My home is in LA, my wife has an apartment in New York, and we are back and forth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bostonians, who mythologize Gardner and are proudly protective of her wishes, are back and forth over whether the expansion threatens the very identity of the museum.

The New York Times - Arts

(D) "They are back and forth quite a lot with trivial things.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

They identified that, rather than simply recording this in the notes as is current practice, there should be a system put in place for monitoring the number of emergency appointments and responding to this: "They are back and forth quite a lot with trivial things.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is interesting that Gabrieli used the word "symphony" to describe pieces that are back-and-forth dialogues between groups of brass instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

On such sites there are back-and-forth introductory messages, Ms. Hirsch said, then still more messages about the selection of a time and location for the date — all of which usually happens over the course of a few days, not a few minutes.

The New York Times

Most of the exchanges are back-and-forths about the pair's disgust with Trump.

The Washington Post

If A and B are back-and-forth equivalent, then certainly they are elementarily equivalent; but in fact back-and-forth equivalence turns out to be the same as elementary equivalence in an infinitary logic which is much more expressive than first-order logic.

SEP

The official said the U.S. has made clear in the past that AQAP makes its own operational decisions - that there are back-and-forth communications between al-Qaida leadership and AQAP, but that they operate independently.

Huffington Post

It's back-and-forth.

The New York Times

And Sunday morning there was back-and-forth over the abstract "right" to enrichment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or negotiation, use "are back and forth" to clearly indicate repeated exchanges or movements between different stages or parties.

Common error

Avoid using "are back and forth" when the action is one-directional. Ensure the context involves a two-way exchange or movement, not a single, linear progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are back and forth" functions as a linking verb followed by an adverbial phrase, modifying the subject by indicating a repeated or reciprocal action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an exchange or movement between two points. Examples show it used to describe negotiations, travel, and game momentum.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are back and forth" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote repeated movement, communication, or fluctuation between two entities or states. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase "are back and forth" is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media and science contexts, this expression effectively conveys a sense of ongoing exchange. Remember to use it when describing reciprocal actions, such as negotiations or travel between locations, and avoid it in scenarios involving only one-directional movement. Consider alternatives like "are going back and forth" or "are constantly exchanging" to fine-tune the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are going back and forth

Adds a sense of ongoing action, emphasizing the continuous nature of the movement or exchange.

are constantly exchanging

Focuses specifically on the exchange aspect, implying frequent communication or interaction.

are in constant communication

Highlights the communication aspect, suggesting an ongoing dialogue or exchange of information.

are frequently commuting

Implies regular travel between two locations, emphasizing the physical movement.

are regularly trading

Focuses on the act of exchanging goods or ideas, indicating a give-and-take relationship.

are alternating

Suggests a pattern of switching between two states or conditions in a regular sequence.

are reciprocating

Emphasizes the mutual exchange of actions or feelings, indicating a balanced relationship.

are shifting between

Indicates a change or movement from one state or condition to another, often repeatedly.

are fluctuating

Highlights the unstable or variable nature of a state or condition, implying constant changes.

are oscillating

Suggests a rhythmic movement between two points or states, often with a predictable pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "are back and forth" in a sentence?

You can use "are back and forth" to describe repeated movement, communication, or negotiation. For example, "The discussions "are back and forth" between the two companies." or "They "are back and forth" between their house in New York and their vacation home in Florida".

What does "are back and forth" mean?

"Are back and forth" means that there is a repeated movement or communication between two points or parties. It implies a reciprocal action or exchange.

What can I say instead of "are back and forth"?

You can use alternatives like "are going back and forth", "are constantly exchanging", or "are in constant communication" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "are back and forth"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a situation where there is repeated movement or exchange between two points or parties.