bouncing between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bouncing between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is moving back and forth between two or more options, states, or locations. Example: "She found herself bouncing between different job offers, unsure of which one to accept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Maqroll read, too, bouncing between biographies of dukes and saints.

The New York Times - Books

Bouncing between the two experiences can feel pretty jarring.

The New York Times

Her e-mail is stored in that vast digital space, bouncing between Yahoo server farms.

The Washington Post

The music provides an aptly postmodern soundtrack, bouncing between the likes of bossa nova and Bowie.

The New York Times - Food

It's fine to have a referee with a comic Tweedledum belly bouncing between opponents.

The Guardian

Since then, she has been bouncing between shelters and friends' homes.

The New York Times

By night, the formerly industrial Strip District is filled with partygoers bouncing between bars and clubs.

The New York Times - Travel

Many said they had never known stability, describing childhoods bouncing between foster homes and homeless shelters.

The New York Times

But by the age of 14, Steve found himself bouncing between youth detention, borstal and care.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another video posted online shows a large, moon-shaped balloon bouncing between cars on a roadway.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The stock has been bouncing between $2 and $3 since June.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bouncing between", ensure the subjects you're connecting are logically related to create a coherent and meaningful statement. For instance, "bouncing between excitement and fear" works because they are related emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "bouncing between" to connect completely unrelated or disparate ideas, as this can create confusion and weaken your writing. For example, avoid saying "bouncing between apples and philosophy" unless you're drawing a very specific, intentional comparison.

Linguistic Context

Bouncing between functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating movement or fluctuation between two or more entities, states, or locations. Ludwig examples show it describing everything from stock prices to emotional states. This makes it versatile in descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bouncing between" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe movement or fluctuation between multiple entities. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While appropriate for general use, consider the context and opt for more precise alternatives like ""fluctuating between"" or "alternating between" in more formal settings. Be mindful to use "bouncing between" to connect logically related subjects to enhance clarity and coherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fluctuating between

This alternative suggests a more measured and less abrupt shift between options.

alternating between

This suggests a more structured, regular shift between two or more options.

shifting between

Implies a more gradual and potentially less frequent change between options.

oscillating between

Suggests a rhythmic and continuous movement back and forth.

moving back and forth between

More descriptive and less concise, emphasizing the physical or metaphorical movement.

ranging between

Emphasizes the span or spectrum between two extremes.

varying between

Highlights the difference in quality or condition between options.

swinging between

Suggests a more dramatic or emotional shift between options.

seesawing between

Implies an unstable and alternating state, like a seesaw.

shuttling between

Implies a regular and purposeful transport between two points.

FAQs

How can I use "bouncing between" in a sentence?

Use "bouncing between" to describe movement or fluctuation between two or more options, states, or locations. For example, "The stock price was "fluctuating between" $2 and $3."

What can I say instead of "bouncing between"?

You can use alternatives like "alternating between", ""fluctuating between"", or "shifting between" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "bouncing between" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "alternating between" or "varying between" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "bouncing between" and "jumping between"?

"Bouncing between" suggests a less controlled or more erratic movement than "jumping between". "Jumping between" implies a more deliberate, though perhaps still quick, shift.