click back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"click back and forth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of rapidly alternating between two options or choices, often when using a computer or electronic device. Example: "I couldn't decide between the red or blue dress, so I clicked back and forth between the two until I finally made my choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This eliminates the need to click back and forth.

The New York Times

Very few people call up a search of every article from the Wall Street Journal on a given day and click back and forth between Google News and the WSJ.com to read the entire paper for free.

TechCrunch

The "floster" (silly name for "floating poster") is a nice bit of DHTML that embeds in the page you are bookmarking, meaning that you can click back and forth to grab text without losing your bookmarking tool behind your browser.

TechCrunch

We appreciate not having to click back and forth between multiple tabs just to compare prices!

Huffington Post

We also note that in the final version of the paper on the eLife web site, it is easy to click back and forth between main figures and supplemental figures.

eLife

One participant stated: "It would be better if you had it [the timeline] over here on the window itself [next to the reminder dialog] because otherwise you have to click back and forth and it's hard to remember.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In Agrawal's view, how-to videos and other explainers aren't the best solution either — it's not great if someone's trying to remember everything from a video or constantly clicking back-and-forth between the video and the product itself.

TechCrunch

"An old-fashioned one that clicked back and forth.

The New York Times - Arts

But there is less of the clicking back and forth and redoing of searches that the site previously required.

The New York Times

The movie clicks back and forth between these three as they grind — scrubbing, whispering, and weeping — through their daily chores.

The New Yorker

As I lie awake in my Tokyo hotel, jet-lagged out of my mind and having my Bill Murray "Lost in Translation" moment, I am clicking back and forth between CNBC and CNN on the television.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "click back and forth" when you want to describe the repetitive action of switching between two or more options using a mouse or other input device. It's especially effective in technical writing and user guides.

Common error

Avoid using "click back and forth" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "alternate between" or "switch between" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "click back and forth" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing an action performed by a user. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It indicates the repetitive action of navigating between different options or screens, particularly in a digital context, as shown by examples related to comparing prices or viewing figures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "click back and forth" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase describing repetitive digital navigation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, it effectively conveys the action of switching between options or screens. While its register is generally informal to neutral, more formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "alternate between". Remember to use it when you specifically refer to using a mouse or similar device to navigate, and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

switch back and forth

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the action of changing repeatedly.

jump back and forth

Suggests a more abrupt or less structured form of switching.

go back and forth

A more general term for alternating, but lacks the specificity of "click".

toggle between settings

Specifically refers to alternating settings, commonly in software or devices.

flip between pages

Refers specifically to quickly changing from one page to another.

alternate between options

Focuses on the act of switching between two or more distinct choices.

shift between views

Applicable when alternating between different perspectives or displays.

fluctuate between choices

Highlights the wavering nature of a decision between different options.

cycle through options

Implies moving through a series of options in a set order.

oscillate between ideas

Describes fluctuating between different thoughts or concepts.

FAQs

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

You can use "click back and forth" to describe the action of switching repeatedly between different options or tabs on a computer. For example, "I had to click back and forth between multiple tabs to compare prices."

What's a less informal alternative to "click back and forth"?

Alternatives include "alternate between" or "switch between", which are suitable for more formal contexts.

Is it correct to use "click back and forth" in technical documentation?

Yes, it's acceptable. However, ensure clarity. For example, “To compare the data, click back and forth between the 'Summary' and 'Details' tabs.”

What's the difference between "click back and forth" and "toggle between"?

"Click back and forth" emphasizes the physical action of using a mouse or similar device, while "toggle between" refers more generally to switching states, regardless of the input method.