drive back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of repeatedly traveling in one direction and then returning, often in a vehicle. Example: "During the road trip, we had to drive back and forth between the two cities several times to complete our errands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

/ If there is a covered bridge, drive back and forth through it a few times.

The New Yorker

They've exhausted their ability to drive back and forth and check on their property".

The New York Times

A lot of them drive back and forth and park and kind of get out and take their time.

The New York Times

He planned to make the two-hour drive back and forth each day between Orlando and St .Petersburg.

The New York Times - Sports

Video stores: you have to drive back and forth, and the movie you want might be out of stock.

The New York Times - Tech

We couldn't just sit two kilometers away and watch the Iraqi Army drive back and forth all day long.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Follow Jay StePayingon Twitter.

Vice

A country bank president drives back and forth to the bank in an old-fashioned carriage.

The New Yorker

Marsha drives back and forth in front of the gang, trying to get Barry's attention.

The New Yorker

"All night long, we drove back and forth across the border".

The New York Times - Travel

"He has driven back and forth from Florida on numerous occasions to confront her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is needed, specify the mode of transportation, especially when the context might imply other means of travel (e.g., walking, cycling).

Common error

While "drive back and forth" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider using synonyms like "commute", "shuttle", or "travel to and fro" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive back and forth" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of repeatedly travelling between two locations. It is commonly used to indicate the physical act of driving and the effort involved. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drive back and forth" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the action of repeatedly driving between two locations. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to convey the effort, frequency, or inconvenience of such travel. While generally neutral in register, synonyms like "commute" or "shuttle between" might be preferred in more formal writing. As with any phrase, variety in word choice can improve writing style. Using this practical guide writers can confidently and accurately incorporate the phrase in their written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

travel back and forth

Very similar to the query but uses the broader verb 'travel' instead of 'drive'.

go back and forth

A general term for moving in opposite directions, less specific to driving.

drive to and return

Highlights the act of driving to a place and then returning from it.

commute

Implies a regular and often work-related travel between two locations, typically home and workplace.

shuttle between

Suggests a frequent and regular movement, like a shuttle service, between two points.

travel to and fro

A more formal and literary way of saying "drive back and forth", suggesting movement in both directions.

make round trips

Emphasizes the completion of a journey to a destination and back.

ferry between

Suggests a continuous transportation of people or goods between two points.

ply between

A more formal term for regularly traveling between two locations, often used for ships or vehicles.

operate a return service

Describes a transportation service that includes both outward and return journeys.

FAQs

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

You can use "drive back and forth" to describe repeated travel between two points. For example, "I had to drive back and forth between the office and the client's location all day."

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

You can use alternatives like "commute", "travel to and fro", or "shuttle between depending on the context".

Is it better to say "drive back and forth" or "go back and forth"?

"Drive back and forth" specifically implies using a vehicle, while "go back and forth" is more general and can refer to any mode of transportation or even abstract movement.

Which is correct: "driving back and forth" or "drive back and forth"?

Both "driving back and forth" and "drive back and forth" are correct, but they are used in different grammatical contexts. "Drive back and forth" is often used as an infinitive or imperative, while "driving back and forth" is used as a gerund or present participle.