flipping back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"flipping back and forth" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is changing their mind or opinion repeatedly and rapidly. For example: "Sally kept flipping back and forth between two different job offers, unable to decide which one to accept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was flipping back and forth.

The New York Times

Flipping back and forth between the channels demonstrates the contrast.

The New York Times - Arts

I stayed up late, flipping back and forth between channels.

The New Yorker

"Flipping back and forth in a book is much different experience than on a Kindle".

The New York Times - Arts

Flipping back and forth makes following recipes that much more difficult.

The New York Times - Style

Flipping back and forth between the two sets of numbers, Mr. Bahat had an epiphany.

The New York Times

You find yourself flipping back and forth between the sylvan romance and the comical phoniness.

The New York Times - Arts

Flipping back and forth between Ms. Pulitzer's book and Mr. Aarons's is like a visit to Pompeii.

The New York Times - Style

"I'm sure they'll be flipping back and forth, but this is a playoff game for us," Hall said.

The New York Times - Sports

There's no way to analyze this work as either art or cultural history without flipping back and forth.

The New York Times - Books

As I was flipping back and forth between naked women and Gahan's cartoons, my friend had set the field we were standing in on fire!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flipping back and forth" to vividly describe rapid changes, indecision, or alternating states. It is particularly effective in narratives or descriptive writing where you want to convey a sense of dynamism or uncertainty.

Common error

While "flipping back and forth" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. More precise terms like "alternating" or "oscillating" might be more appropriate for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flipping back and forth" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates repeated and rapid alternation between two or more options or states, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flipping back and forth" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe rapid alternation or indecision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "alternating between" or "oscillating between" for professional writing. Avoid overuse in formal contexts, and use it strategically to vividly convey dynamism or uncertainty. Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples showcasing its diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternating between

Focuses on the act of switching repeatedly between two options or states.

switching between

Similar to alternating, but can imply a more deliberate or controlled change.

going back and forth

A more general and less emphatic version of the original phrase.

oscillating between

Suggests a rhythmic or cyclical movement between two states.

wavering between

Implies hesitation or indecision while switching between options.

vacillating between

Similar to wavering, but suggests a more pronounced lack of conviction.

seesawing between

Evokes the image of a seesaw, emphasizing the balanced alternation.

changing repeatedly

Focuses on the frequency of changes, rather than the direction.

reversing course

Implies a change in direction or plan, potentially multiple times.

inconsistent behavior

Highlights the lack of a stable or predictable pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "flipping back and forth" to describe someone changing their mind, switching between options, or alternating between different states. For instance, "She kept flipping back and forth between the red dress and the blue one."

What's a more formal alternative to "flipping back and forth"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "alternating between", "oscillating between", or "vacillating between". These options offer a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it ever incorrect to use "flipping back and forth"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "flipping back and forth" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise and professional vocabulary is preferred. Consider the tone and audience when making your choice.

What does "flipping back and forth" imply about the action?

"Flipping back and forth" typically implies a rapid, perhaps somewhat erratic, change between two options or states. It suggests a lack of stability or a difficulty in making a firm decision.