flow back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"flow back and forth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as: "The river seemed to flow back and forth between the two banks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"The money seems to flow back and forth.

The New York Times

Memories (both present and absent) flow back and forth through this story.

The Guardian - Film

With each wave, he felt the sand flow back and forth between his toes.

The New Yorker

PLANTS and sculpture tend to flow back and forth across the street.

The New York Times

They made musical information flow back and forth chronologically and side-to-side stylistically.

The New York Times - Arts

Normally the network is linked to Con Edison, and electricity can flow back and forth.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Influences kept flowing back and forth.

The New York Times - Arts

Economic life does not stop at national boundaries but flows back and forth across them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Traffic flows back and forth, carrying, among other people, Armenian soldiers doing military service.

The Economist

Money, people and ideas flowed back and forth between the two great world cities.

The Guardian

Adoring letters flowed back and forth between them, Frank addressing her as "little Barbara" and "dearest little one".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flow back and forth", ensure the context clearly indicates what is moving and between what points. For example, "Information flowed back and forth between departments" provides clarity.

Common error

Ensure your sentence doesn't leave the reader wondering what is literally "flowing". For example, avoid saying things like "Emotions flowed back and forth" unless it's very clear who is feeling which emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow back and forth" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing a reciprocal action or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and commonly used phrase, especially when describing the exchange or movement of abstract concepts, fluids, or other entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flow back and forth" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that effectively describes reciprocal movement or exchange. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Its frequent appearance in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts indicates a neutral to formal register, while its presence in general sources demonstrates its adaptability to diverse communication settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear about what is moving and between what points to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative expressions such as "move reciprocally" or "oscillate" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move reciprocally

Focuses on the mutual and alternating movement between two points.

alternate in movement

Highlights the alternating nature of the movement between two states or positions.

oscillate

Implies a regular and repeating movement between two points or states.

reciprocate

Emphasizes the mutual exchange or return of something between two entities.

shuttle between

Suggests a regular and frequent movement between two locations or states.

go to and fro

A more descriptive phrase indicating movement in opposite directions.

move to and fro

A descriptive phrase indicating movement in opposite directions.

fluctuate

Indicates an irregular rising and falling pattern.

exchange reciprocally

Highlights the mutual exchange or return of something between two entities.

alternate

Focuses on taking turns or occurring in succession.

FAQs

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

You can use "flow back and forth" to describe the movement of something in alternating directions, such as "The conversation flowed back and forth between the two friends" or "Ideas flow back and forth between the team members".

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

You can use alternatives like "move reciprocally", "oscillate", or "shuttle between" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "flowing back and forth"?

Yes, "flowing back and forth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used form, often used to describe an ongoing or continuous movement. It's a present participle form of "flow back and forth".

What's the difference between "flow back and forth" and "move back and forth"?

"Flow back and forth" often implies a smoother, more continuous movement, while "move back and forth" can refer to any type of movement in alternating directions. "Flow" suggests a liquid or abstract quality, whereas "move" is a more general term.