darting back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"darting back and forth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick and sudden movement back and forth, often in a frenzied or chaotic manner. Example: The squirrel was darting back and forth across the lawn, trying to find a hiding spot for its acorn before the rain started.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The book's intricate structure supports this, unpredictably darting back and forth over the years.

The New York Times - Books

His eyes were darting back and forth and his jaw worked incessantly.

The New Yorker

He is facing the bar, his pupils darting back and forth in obvious search for celebrities.

The New Yorker

He saw, through her honeycombed veil, that her eyes were darting back and forth with indecision, as if she were unsure whether to comfort him or slap him.

The New Yorker

Your brain has taken a complicated scene of eyes darting back and forth and recut it as a simple one: your eyes stare straight ahead.

The New Yorker

For the reader, this means darting back and forth in time, of necessity often covering ground in one life that has been covered in the other.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Her eyes darted back and forth.

The New York Times - Science

The lieutenant darted back and forth.

The New York Times

His eyes darted back and forth among his fellows.

The New York Times - Magazine

The chef's eyes darted back and forth.

The New York Times - Food

Tuckness's eyes darted back and forth between the bull and the cowboy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "darting back and forth" to vividly describe quick, repetitive movements in a dynamic scene or frantic situation. Consider whether a more precise verb would be more appropriate if the movement is not random or agitated.

Common error

Avoid using "darting back and forth" to describe stationary objects or abstract concepts that lack physical movement. It implies a rapid, agitated motion that should be reserved for animate subjects or dynamic processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "darting back and forth" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb. It describes the manner in which something is moving, emphasizing quick, repetitive, and often erratic motion, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "darting back and forth" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe rapid, repetitive movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is effectively used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "moving to and fro" exist, "darting back and forth" is more dynamic and evocative. When writing, remember to use it for animate subjects or processes involving physical agitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving to and fro

A more formal and less dynamic alternative.

shuttling between

Implies movement between two specific points or locations.

alternating rapidly

Focuses on the quick changes between two states or actions.

flicking back and forth

Suggests a quick, light movement.

oscillating

Implies a regular, rhythmic movement.

zig-zagging

Suggests a movement in sharp alternating angles.

wavering

Implies an unsteady or hesitant movement.

reversing course repeatedly

Focuses on the act of changing direction multiple times.

seesawing

Implies an alternating rise and fall, like a seesaw.

yo-yoing

Suggests a quick up-and-down motion, similar to a yo-yo.

FAQs

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

Use "darting back and forth" to vividly describe rapid, repetitive movements. For example, "The hummingbird was darting back and forth, sampling nectar from each flower."

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

You can use alternatives like "moving to and fro", "shuttling between", or "alternating rapidly" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "darting back and forth" or "moving slowly"?

"Darting back and forth" implies quick, erratic movement, while "moving slowly" suggests a gradual pace. The correct choice depends on the specific action you are describing.

What's the difference between "darting back and forth" and "wandering aimlessly"?

"Darting back and forth" indicates rapid movement between points, while "wandering aimlessly" suggests a lack of direction or purpose in the movement.