going back and forth repeatedly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going back and forth repeatedly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a continuous exchange or movement between two points or ideas, often implying indecision or oscillation. Example: "The negotiations were frustrating, as the two parties kept going back and forth repeatedly without reaching an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Make circular motions along the collar bone, going back and forth repeatedly.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were convinced that they had sailed these distances and they had gone back and forth repeatedly.

Harvard University

In the wake of Condoleezza Rice's shuttle diplomacy last year, Israeli officials reportedly coined lecondel, meaning to go back and forth repeatedly to no effect.Naturally, all this exasperates purists.

The Economist

Going back and forth.

The New York Times - Sports

Liar!" going back and forth.

The Guardian

I keep going back and forth.

Harvard Business Review

I kept going back and forth.

Science Magazine

It had an iterative character, going back and forth.

Environmental Sciences Europe

We were going back and forth and back and forth.

Huffington Post

I'm going back and forth.

Los Angeles Times

"The WBC keeps going back and forth.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going back and forth repeatedly" to clearly convey a sense of indecision, oscillation, or iteration between two distinct options or points. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the repetitive nature of the movement or decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid using "going back and forth repeatedly" multiple times within a short passage. Its repetitive nature can become redundant if overused. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "oscillating" or "iterating" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going back and forth repeatedly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing how an action is performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase can describe continuous exchanges between two points or ideas, often implying indecision. The example provided by Ludwig, from WikiHow, illustrates this in the context of physical movement: "Make circular motions along the collar bone, going back and forth repeatedly."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Wiki

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going back and forth repeatedly" is a phrase used to describe an action or process that involves continuous movement or exchange between two points, often implying indecision or a lack of progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable in written English. Although its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts, with a neutral formality. Related phrases include ""oscillating back and forth"" and "alternating back and forth". When using this phrase, be mindful of potential redundancy and consider synonyms to enhance clarity and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oscillating back and forth

Emphasizes the rhythmic movement between two points.

alternating back and forth

Highlights the sequential switching between options.

repeatedly vacillating

Focuses on the indecisiveness and wavering nature of the action.

iterating continuously

Stresses the repetitive and cyclical nature of a process.

cycling back and forth

Implies a circular pattern of movement or decision-making.

waffling repeatedly

Highlights the inability to make a firm decision.

yo-yoing back and forth

Suggests an up-and-down movement or a fluctuating state.

flipping back and forth

Implies a quick and often erratic change between options.

shuttling back and forth

Emphasizes movement between two fixed points, like a shuttle.

reversing course repeatedly

Focuses on the act of changing direction or decision multiple times.

FAQs

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

You can use "going back and forth repeatedly" to describe actions, negotiations, or thought processes that involve continuous movement or exchange between two points or ideas. For example, "The negotiations were frustrating, as the two parties kept "oscillating back and forth" without reaching an agreement".

What does "going back and forth repeatedly" imply?

The phrase typically implies a lack of progress, indecision, or a tedious iterative process. It suggests that the subject is not advancing in a linear fashion but rather is caught in a cycle of repeated actions or considerations.

What are some alternatives to "going back and forth repeatedly"?

Consider using alternatives like "iterating continuously", "alternating back and forth", or ""oscillating back and forth"" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is there a more formal way to express "going back and forth repeatedly"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "iterating continuously" or "repeatedly vacillating". These options offer a more sophisticated tone while maintaining the core meaning of the original phrase.