buffeted back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buffeted back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is being repeatedly hit or moved in different directions, often implying a sense of chaos or instability. Example: "The small boat was buffeted back and forth by the strong waves during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On that level, Favreau's movie is most certainly a triumph, though it's easy to see how the ill-informed might feel a little buffeted back and forth by the competing storylines.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our moods, our financial instabilities, buffet us back and forth.

Independent

If not, he said, "you will be buffeted and blown back and forth by polls and interest groups and voices whispering in your head.

The Guardian

In "Why Art?," the audience is buffeted by the constant back and forth between Davis and her art, but we're allowed, for an instant, to linger in the liminal space between created and creator.

The New Yorker

The back-and-forth continues for weeks.

The New York Times

It's a back-and-forth conversation.

Los Angeles Times

The décor is as understated as the dancing: feet stay planted on the floor as bodies sway back and forth as if buffeted by a strong wind.

The New York Times

The FDA, buffeted on all sides, has historically swung back and forth like a pendulum between speedy approvals and caution.

Forbes

Helen's world will be buffeted by Noah's infidelity and over time, she will swing back and forth from understanding to furious, and from forgiving to vengeful.

Huffington Post

Buffeted by 15-mile-an-hour winds, the arm's position swayed back and forth a couple of inches during the scans.

The New York Times - Science

Back and forth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buffeted back and forth" to vividly describe situations where a subject is subjected to opposing forces or rapid changes, creating a sense of instability or lack of control.

Common error

While descriptive, "buffeted back and forth" may sound too informal or dramatic for certain academic or professional writing. Opt for more neutral phrasing like "subjected to opposing forces" or "experienced fluctuations" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buffeted back and forth" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in conjunction with a passive voice construction to describe the action of being acted upon by opposing forces. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing both physical and abstract scenarios.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "buffeted back and forth" vividly describes situations of instability, where someone or something is subjected to opposing forces. As Ludwig shows, its usage spans both physical and abstract contexts, typically implying a lack of control. While grammatically correct and understandable, it is relatively rare. For formal contexts, alternative phrasing like "subjected to opposing forces" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tossed and turned

Emphasizes restless movement and instability, particularly in a physical or emotional sense.

shaken to and fro

Highlights the forceful movement and potential disruption caused by an external force.

jostled around

Suggests being bumped or pushed roughly in a crowded environment or chaotic situation.

pushed from pillar to post

Focuses on being moved around without control, often in a bureaucratic or frustrating situation.

swayed back and forth

Focuses on a gentle or rhythmic movement, often indicating hesitation or indecision.

bandied about

Implies being discussed or treated carelessly, often involving opinions or ideas.

wavered between options

Specifically describes indecision and a lack of commitment to one choice.

knocked about

Indicates being treated roughly or experiencing hardship and adversity.

oscillated between extremes

Implies movement between two opposing viewpoints, behaviors, or conditions.

fluctuated wildly

Highlights erratic and unpredictable changes or movements, often in response to external factors.

FAQs

What does "buffeted back and forth" mean?

The phrase "buffeted back and forth" describes a situation where someone or something is repeatedly pushed or moved in different directions, often implying a lack of control or stability. It suggests being impacted by opposing forces.

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

You can use "buffeted back and forth" to describe physical or emotional experiences. For instance, "The boat was buffeted back and forth by the waves" or "The company's stock price was buffeted back and forth by market rumors."

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

Alternatives include "tossed and turned", "shaken to and fro", or "pushed from pillar to post", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "buffeted back and forth" formal or informal?

"Buffeted back and forth" leans towards a slightly informal or descriptive register. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "subjected to opposing forces" or "experienced fluctuations".