arguing back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arguing back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties are exchanging opposing views or opinions in a discussion or debate. Example: "The committee spent hours arguing back and forth about the best approach to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There is lots of arguing back and forth.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

ALEX KOPPELMAN: Obama, Romney arguing back and forth over auto bailout now.

The New Yorker

We spent significant chunks of time arguing back and forth about an issue, sometimes spread out across a few days.

The Guardian

After three months of arguing back and forth with the lawyer, he agreed not to use the word "Hudson" for his ride, which he renamed Bike the River Valley with a permitted description: "A Nice Day of Cycling Along the Hudson".

The New York Times

He wondered, as great physicists are wont to do, whether it was possible (just in principle, you understand) to build a perfectly efficient engine one, in other words, that would extract energy from the random motions of the molecules in the air, and use it to do useful work without producing any waste.For more than a century, physicists expended much energy arguing back and forth.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

Then we argue, back and forth until it closes.

The New Yorker

We argued back and forth for a while.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing drawn-out disagreements, use "arguing back and forth" to convey persistence and lack of resolution.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "arguing back and forth" excessively in highly formal writing; opt for more precise terms like "debating" or "disputing" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arguing back and forth" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of exchanging opposing views repeatedly. It illustrates a lack of progress or resolution in a discussion. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arguing back and forth" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a prolonged exchange of opposing viewpoints, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing. Ludwig also provides examples of usage and related phrases to enhance understanding and writing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

debating to and fro

Emphasizes the back-and-forth nature of a debate, adding a slightly more formal or literary tone.

disputing

Highlights the act of questioning or challenging a statement or idea.

quarreling

Highlights the element of disagreement and potential animosity in the exchange.

bickering

Implies a petty and often continuous form of arguing, typically about unimportant matters.

having it out

Indicates a decisive confrontation or argument aimed at resolving a dispute.

wrangling

Suggests a more contentious and less cooperative form of arguing.

contending

Focuses on the act of competing or struggling in argument.

bandying words

Implies a quick exchange of words, often without much serious consideration.

crossing swords

Metaphorically describes a sharp exchange of opposing views.

arguing the toss

Implies arguing about a decision that has already been made, especially in sports contexts.

FAQs

What does "arguing back and forth" mean?

It means exchanging opposing viewpoints in a discussion or debate, often repeatedly and without reaching a clear resolution.

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

You can say, "The politicians were "arguing back and forth" about the new policy," to indicate a prolonged disagreement.

What are some alternatives to "arguing back and forth"?

Alternatives include "debating to and fro", "disputing", or "wrangling", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "arguing back and forth" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, it may be better to use more formal alternatives such as "debating" or "disputing" in highly formal contexts.