batted back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"batted back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an exchange or conversation that is lively and energetic. For example, "We batted ideas back and forth for hours, until we had crafted a plan for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"IT FEELS like we're being toyed with like a baby seal being batted back and forth by killer whales".

The Economist

The roadless rule has been batted back and forth in the federal courts over the last two years.

The New York Times

In the debates, you hear health numbers batted back and forth, but as I see it, what's at stake is ultimately lives like Scott's.

The New York Times

It was batted back and forth for months; in the end, it underwent twenty-nine drafts (twenty-one previously unknown drafts were found in the boathouse papers).

The New Yorker

To what degree the overconsumption of groundwater is to blame for the changes is being batted back and forth between environmentalists and the state's water keepers.

The New York Times

The reasons for British soul's diversity are batted back and forth, but it's Temperton who sums up the history most succinctly.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

There were languorous stretches where the ball was batted back-and-forth by mid-air combatants, hornet-like aerial duels, and sensational hits from space.

Vice

And so we bat back and forth for a bit, until he eventually says, "Look, I'm not single.

The Guardian - Film

Throughout the week, there is an exchange of mails with my editor and agent batting back and forth ideas for a title for my new novel.

The Guardian

His first issue featured a piece by Maureen Dowd, then a Washington correspondent, on a subject the editor and reporter had been batting back and forth, the shaky foundations of Americans' self-esteem.

The New York Times

He turns to Mortimer, and they start batting back and forth, Moir as ever the slight aggressor, Mortimer vaguely on the back foot: "Are you still eating the right stuff?" "Sort of.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "batted back and forth" to describe discussions or actions where there's a lively exchange between two or more parties. The phrase is especially effective when conveying a sense of back-and-forth movement or back-and-forth debate.

Common error

Avoid using "batted back and forth" when a situation involves a formal negotiation or a severe conflict. This phrase suggests a somewhat playful or less serious exchange, which may not be suitable for describing tense or critical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "batted back and forth" functions as a dynamic descriptor, often used to depict an exchange or interaction characterized by reciprocity and movement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showcasing examples where it illustrates both literal and figurative back-and-forth actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "batted back and forth" is a commonly used phrase to describe a reciprocal exchange or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the intensity of the situation; it's best suited for exchanges that are lively but not overly serious or formal. For alternatives, consider options such as "tossed around" or "thrashed out", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passed back and forth

Focuses on the act of physically or figuratively transferring something between parties, implying a more directed movement than "batted back and forth".

tossed around

Suggests a preliminary or exploratory discussion of ideas, often lacking a definitive conclusion compared to "batted back and forth".

kicked around

Similar to tossed around, but can also imply aimlessness or lack of progress in the discussion, a more casual exchange than "batted back and forth".

bandied about

Implies ideas or rumors are circulated casually and often without serious consideration, a less structured exchange than "batted back and forth".

exchanged reciprocally

Emphasizes the mutual and equal nature of an exchange, a more formal and balanced interaction than "batted back and forth".

thrashed out

Indicates a vigorous and thorough debate aimed at resolving differences, suggesting a more intense and decisive process than "batted back and forth".

hammered out

Implies persistent effort to reach an agreement or solution, focusing on the difficulty and determination involved, unlike the more neutral "batted back and forth".

debated at length

Focuses on the duration and formality of a discussion, implying a more structured and prolonged exchange than "batted back and forth".

argued over

Highlights the contentious nature of a discussion or dispute, emphasizing disagreement rather than the exchange itself, differing from "batted back and forth".

negotiated extensively

Highlights the bargaining and compromise involved in reaching an agreement, a more formal and goal-oriented process than "batted back and forth".

FAQs

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

You can use "batted back and forth" to describe a lively exchange of ideas, arguments, or even physical objects. For example, "The proposal was "batted back and forth" between the departments before a decision was reached."

What does "batted back and forth" mean?

The phrase "batted back and forth" means that something is being exchanged or discussed repeatedly between two or more parties. It often implies a lack of clear progress or resolution.

Which is more appropriate, "batted back and forth" or "bandied about"?

"Batted back and forth" suggests a more direct and reciprocal exchange, while "bandied about" implies a more casual and less structured circulation of ideas or rumors. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What are some alternatives to saying "batted back and forth"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "tossed around", "thrashed out", or "hammered out" to convey a similar meaning to "batted back and forth".