argue back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "argue back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two people or groups of people are exchanging arguments with each other in order to reach a resolution. For example, "The two sides argued back and forth for hours before finally agreeing on a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Then we argue, back and forth until it closes.

The New Yorker

They argue back and forth and finally Mrs. Ridgeway just says "scat" and leaves the room.

The New Yorker

It's common in negotiation for parties to argue back and forth about whose "facts" are correct.

Harvard University

The two men argue back and forth, while the musicians stare impassively.

The Washington Post

They argue back and forth, speaking very rapidly in accented English, and gesticulating vehemently.

The New Yorker

Academics argue back and forth about why UK productivity remains low, while employment has held up remarkably well through the recession.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Well, fans have gone slightly crazy recently, arguing back-and-forth over whether the theory is true or not.

Independent

They argued back and forth.

The New Yorker

The two men argued back and forth.

The New York Times

We've been arguing and arguing back and forth".

The New York Times

We argued back and forth for a while.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argue back and forth" to describe a situation where there's a sustained exchange of differing opinions, often without immediate resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "argue back and forth" when describing a one-sided argument or monologue. The phrase implies a two-way exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argue back and forth" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes a situation involving a reciprocal exchange of arguments or differing opinions, implying a sustained discussion where participants present opposing viewpoints. As per Ludwig AI, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "argue back and forth" is a commonly used and grammatically correct idiomatic verb phrase that describes a reciprocal exchange of arguments. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily in news and media, and academia. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to use it accurately to reflect a two-way exchange of differing opinions rather than a one-sided statement. Alternatives such as "have a debate" or "trade arguments" can provide subtle differences in meaning and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trade arguments

Highlights the exchange of logical reasoning and evidence.

have a debate

Implies a more structured and formal discussion of opposing views.

contend with each other

Focuses on the act of striving or competing in argument.

quarrel repeatedly

Emphasizes the contentious and repetitive nature of the disagreement.

be at loggerheads

Suggests a state of prolonged and irreconcilable disagreement.

exchange words

Focuses on the verbal exchange without necessarily implying disagreement.

wrangling continuously

Suggests a prolonged and often frustrating argument.

cross swords

Metaphorically describes a direct confrontation or clash of opinions.

bandy words

Suggests a more playful or less serious exchange of words.

bicker incessantly

Implies a petty and ongoing argument.

FAQs

How to use "argue back and forth" in a sentence?

You can use "argue back and forth" to describe a discussion where participants exchange differing viewpoints, like "The politicians "argued back and forth" about the new policy during the debate".

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

You can use alternatives like "have a debate", "trade arguments", or "contend with each other" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "argue back and forth" or "arguing back and forth"?

"Argue back and forth" is generally used as the base verb form, while "arguing back and forth" is used in continuous tenses, like "They were "arguing back and forth"".

What's the difference between "argue back and forth" and "discuss"?

"Argue back and forth" implies a disagreement or opposition of viewpoints, while "discuss" is a more neutral term for exchanging ideas.