coming back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"coming back and forth" is a correct phrase to use in written English.
It means to move repeatedly in opposite directions, usually at regular intervals. Example: I have been coming back and forth to this park for years, but today I noticed something strange. The swings are missing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

They believed that you were always coming back and forth from the unknown to the actual.

The New Yorker

"Well," he says, in his strangely muffled voice, "we've both been coming back and forth all the time".

Independent

Survivors described how the militants were targeting foreign "white people" during the siege with one woman saying: "They kept coming back and forth into Cappuccino.

Independent

He said he had been coming back and forth for a month, despite the growing boredom and what he called the unsanitary conditions at the camp site, which smelled of refuse and urine.

The New York Times

Last year, a judge told a 17-year-old defendant in a marijuana case in the Bronx Defenders project that if he did not take a plea deal, which involved no jail time, he would be "coming back and forth to court over the next 18 to 24 months".

The New York Times

Parents should maybe look at the pictures coming back and forth on their children's phones.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But there is enough evidence that Mr Netanyahu favours some type of two-state solution that the coming back-and-forth between America and Israel might be more kabuki than genuine argument.

The Economist

He came back and forth with the wine and lost track of time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The great moments have come back and forth," Mr. Sirulnick said, "between the daily news organization covering something right now and the longer documentary analysis".

The New York Times

Last year they came back and forth to the house right up through Christmas, when the Great South Bay froze over and the ferry stopped running.

The New York Times

Terry and I built this place in 1984 and for about 20 years, before retiring here two years ago, we came back and forth from Central Valley, N.Y., on weekends with our daughters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming back and forth" when you want to emphasize the repetitive nature of moving between two locations or states. It is often suitable when describing routines, commutes, or processes involving repeated movement.

Common error

While "coming back and forth" is generally acceptable, it can sound informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "reciprocating" or "alternating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "coming back and forth" is that of a phrasal verb describing movement. It illustrates the action of repeatedly moving between two points or conditions. Ludwig shows examples where it modifies subjects in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coming back and forth" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression indicating repetitive movement between two points. While perfectly acceptable in most contexts, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI, it might be perceived as slightly informal in highly formal or academic writing where more sophisticated alternatives could be considered. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, signifying a neutral register. When using this phrase, focus on emphasizing the cyclical nature of the movement you are describing and it is often suitable when describing routines, commutes, or processes involving repeated movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going back and forth

This is a more simplified and common version of the original phrase, losing some formality.

moving to and fro

This conveys a simple back and forth movement, emphasizing direction.

shuttling between places

This alternative emphasizes the repeated short trips between two locations.

commuting regularly

This alternative specifically implies traveling a distance between two locations on a consistent basis.

traveling to and fro

This is a more archaic, literary way of saying moving in both directions.

alternating visits

This focuses on the reciprocal nature of visiting different locations or people.

reciprocal exchange

This highlights the mutual exchange of something, like information or goods, rather than just physical movement.

negotiating back and forth

This suggests discussion and compromise involving concessions from different sides.

yo-yoing

This slang term suggests a repeated up and down movement or fluctuation.

oscillating between options

This implies a wavering or indecision between choices or possibilities.

FAQs

What does the phrase "coming back and forth" mean?

The phrase "coming back and forth" means repeatedly moving in opposite directions, often between two specific locations or states. It implies a cyclical or repetitive movement.

What can I say instead of "coming back and forth"?

You can use alternatives like "moving to and fro", "shuttling between places", or "commuting regularly" depending on the specific context.

Is "coming back and forth" grammatically correct?

Yes, "coming back and forth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. Ludwig AI also confirms this.

When is it best to use "coming back and forth" versus "going back and forth"?

"Coming back and forth" implies that the speaker or subject is currently in the process of this repetitive movement, while "going back and forth" can refer to past or general movements. Both are generally interchangeable, but "coming back and forth" adds a sense of immediacy.