gone back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"gone back and forth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "gone back and forth" to describe a situation in which someone or something has changed direction several times. For example: "The negotiations had gone back and forth between the two sides for hours, but eventually an agreement was reached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Contracts had gone back and forth.

The Guardian - Sport

Skolimowski has gone back and forth during the years.

The Guardian - Film

"I've gone back and forth my entire life," she said.

The New Yorker

Mother and son have gone back and forth on football.

The New York Times - Sports

In my career I've gone back and forth.

The New York Times

We had gone back and forth about what to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

We know that you and megastar have gone back and forth on the slave owner.

The New Yorker

Steavenson: I have often gone back and forth on the arguments about hijab.

The New Yorker

The issue has gone back and forth in federal courts since the 1990s.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The company has gone back-and-forth over Apple TV being a business or a hobby.

The New York Times

Both sides have now gone back-and-forth over discovery related issues for months.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gone back and forth" to clearly indicate a repeated change of mind, position, or negotiation between two or more parties. It adds a dynamic element to your writing, showing movement and potential progress.

Common error

Avoid using "gone back and forth" without providing specific details about what has changed or who is involved. Vague usage can reduce clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "They've gone back and forth", specify "They've gone back and forth on the budget proposal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gone back and forth" functions as a verbal phrase, often used within a sentence to describe an ongoing or repeated action of exchanging ideas, arguments, or positions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to describe a situation in which someone or something has changed direction several times.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gone back and forth" is a versatile verbal phrase commonly used to describe an iterative process of exchanging ideas, arguments, or positions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates repeated changes in direction or opinion. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure to provide specific context to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "alternated", "fluctuated", or "shifted" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shifted back and forth

Emphasizes a change in position or direction, often repeatedly.

switched between

Highlights the act of changing from one thing to another repeatedly.

alternated

Highlights a regular switch between two options or states.

vacillated

Implies indecision and a back-and-forth movement in thought or opinion.

wavered

Implies a temporary shift in decision or opinion, often due to uncertainty.

fluctuated

Suggests a regular rise and fall in value or level, often in a measurable way.

oscillated

Implies a rhythmic movement between two points, often used in technical contexts.

seesawed

Conveys an up-and-down movement, like a seesaw, representing opposing forces or changes.

yo-yoed

Similar to seesawed, but with a more pronounced back-and-forth motion.

teetered

Suggests an unstable balance, moving slightly from one side to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "gone back and forth" to describe a situation where there's repeated discussion, negotiation, or change of opinion between parties. For example, "The city council and the developers have "gone back and forth" on the zoning regulations for months."

What are some alternatives to "gone back and forth"?

Alternatives to "gone back and forth" include "alternated", "fluctuated", "vacillated", or "shifted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "gone back and forth between"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct to use "gone back and forth between" to indicate movement or changes between two or more options or states. For example, "She has "gone back and forth between" pursuing a career in medicine and focusing on her art."

What's the difference between "gone back and forth" and "come to an agreement"?

"Gone back and forth" describes the process of negotiation or discussion with changes in position, while "come to an agreement" indicates the successful resolution of those discussions. You might say, "After weeks of "going back and forth", the parties finally "come to an agreement"."