bounce back and forth between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bounce back and forth between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something or someone moves between two places, objects, or ideas. For example, "The tennis ball continued to bounce back and forth between the two players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I bounce back and forth between wanting that, and not wanting that.

The Guardian

Because of this so-called magnetic mirror effect, the particles bounce back and forth between the magnetic poles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Should the idea of self-defense bounce back and forth between two people like a Ping-Pong ball?

The New York Times

Stress wave equations are presented for each period when they bounce back and forth between the two ends of the bar.

Journal of Manufacturing Systems

Dr Wineland worked on atoms.Dr Haroche trapped his photons by getting them to bounce back and forth between two tiny superconducting mirrors.

The Economist

Dr Haroche's approach depended on trapping microwave photons by getting them to bounce back and forth between two tiny superconducting mirrors.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

In Rampleman's video Girls Girls Girls; New Jersey Crüefest Tailgate Party (2012), the women of Girls Girls Girls bounce back-and-forth between roles of legendary bandmates, just like musicians in a non-tribute band.

Huffington Post

She started singing at a young age and bounced back-and-forth between Europe and America her entire life.

Huffington Post

Megan Masters from E! Online commented that the video "portrays "some seemingly real emotion with her bouncing back-and-forth between writhing around a padded cell".

Wikipedia

The whole experience is mostly just waiting for something interesting to happen, which means bouncing back-and-forth between boredom and creeping menace.

Vice

The Master in Chancery Abolition Act 1852 abolished the Masters in Chancery, allowing all cases to be heard directly by judges instead of bounced back-and-forth between judges and Masters.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, this phrase can illustrate indecision or oscillation between differing viewpoints.

Common error

While "bounce back and forth between" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or informal. Consider using more precise verbs to enhance clarity and sophistication depending on the context of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bounce back and forth between" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating movement or oscillation between two or more entities. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it describes both physical movement and the shifting of ideas or focus.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bounce back and forth between" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe movement or oscillation between two or more entities, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While it is frequently found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, it's important to consider the register and choose more precise language for highly formal settings. When used appropriately, this phrase effectively conveys a dynamic interaction or state of flux, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move back and forth between

A more literal and descriptive alternative, emphasizing the physical movement.

alternate between

Focuses on the act of switching regularly between two things.

oscillate between

Implies a rhythmic movement or fluctuation between two points.

fluctuate between

Suggests irregular changes or variations between different levels or states.

swing between

Suggests a broad or dramatic change from one extreme to another.

seesaw between

Conveys the idea of a back-and-forth movement, often implying instability or indecision.

yo-yo between

Similar to seesaw, but often used to describe rapid and unpredictable changes.

rebound between

Indicates a return or recovery between different states after a change or disturbance.

waver between

Indicates hesitation or uncertainty when choosing between options.

shift between

Highlights a change in position or focus from one thing to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "bounce back and forth between" to describe movement between physical locations, like "The light waves "bounce back and forth between" two mirrors", or abstract concepts, such as "I "bounce back and forth between" wanting fame and not wanting it".

What phrases are similar to "bounce back and forth between"?

Alternatives include "alternate between", "oscillate between", or "fluctuate between", which each offer slightly different nuances of movement or change.

Is it always appropriate to use "bounce back and forth between" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "bounce back and forth between" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider stronger vocabulary to enhance your message with a more precise term.

What does "bounce back and forth between" imply?

The phrase suggests a dynamic and often repetitive movement or exchange between two or more things. It can imply indecision, oscillation, or a continuous interaction.