leap back and forth between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leap back and forth between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something alternates or oscillates between two or more states, ideas, or locations. Example: "In her novel, the author leaps back and forth between different time periods to illustrate the characters' development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Gyngell's ability to leap back and forth between his official and unofficial selves was nimble, but also praiseworthy was the playwright's elliptical language and his almost Cubist approach to reality.

The New York Times

Focusing on the journey of a band of mechanical animals, Mekazoo has the player leap back and forth between creatures to employ distinct abilities and overcome puzzles.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If so, we ought to be able to observe matter leaping back and forth between universes in the lab.

MIT Technology Review

That could get scary, but the movie loses any chance of establishing a mood by leaping back and forth between the 70's and early 80's, "forever stumbling over itself and breaking its own spell" (Stephen Holden).

The New York Times

Like the desert rat, revered for its ability to launch itself "as if on wings, from its match-thin hind legs," Moore moved by leaping back and forth between the physical and the abstract, as in the conclusion to "Nevertheless": The weak overcomes its menace, the strong over- comes itself.

The New York Times - Books

Benjy is mentally challenged and Faulkner chose to leap back and forth in time almost at random.

Huffington Post

When the cast is earthbound, this enjoyable but trivial musical generally is, too, leaping back and forth across the line between spoofery and sincerity in depicting the rituals and rivalries of school life.

The New York Times

Ms. Rowlands's Allie is quieter and sadder, but she looks too well-preserved for a woman in her condition, and as the story leaps back and forth, the movie veers between unbleached sugar and artificial sweetener.

The New York Times

The story leaps back and forth among these three periods, contrasting where we were and where we've ended up.

HuffPost

You need to jump back and forth between the walls.

WikiHow

[who] observe the rituals, recite the prayers, and chant the songs". As we move through the fishermen's complicated preparations and complex histories, toward the mattanza, the narrative leaps back and forth, jumping between years and stories.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the 'between' is followed by clearly defined and distinct elements. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "leap back and forth between" when more than two distinct entities are involved. When dealing with multiple elements, consider using phrases like "among" or "across" to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leap back and forth between" functions as a dynamic verb phrase describing an alternating movement or transition between two distinct entities or states. As noted by Ludwig, it indicates a nimble or agile shift, emphasizing the oscillation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

36%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leap back and forth between" effectively conveys a dynamic and alternating movement between two distinct entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. It is crucial to use 'between' correctly to refer to only two items and consider alternatives like "among" for multiple elements. Using the phrase effectively can add vividness to writing, emphasizing agility and dynamism. This analysis provides comprehensive guidance on its appropriate and impactful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jump between

Similar to the original phrase, but with less emphasis on the 'back and forth' aspect.

alternate between

Focuses on the regular succession of two things.

switch between

Implies a more deliberate and controlled change.

oscillate between

Suggests a rhythmic movement back and forth.

fluctuate between

Emphasizes irregular variations between different points.

move between

A more general term for changing position or state.

shift between

Highlights a change in focus or emphasis.

veer between

Implies a slight change in direction or opinion.

shuttle between

Suggests a regular and often automated movement between two points.

ping-pong between

Conveys a rapid exchange or interaction between two elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "leap back and forth between" to describe alternating states, ideas, or locations, such as: "The narrative "leaps back and forth between" the past and present."

What are some alternatives to "leap back and forth between"?

Alternatives include "switch between", "alternate between", or "move between", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "leap back and forth between" or "leap back and forth among"?

"Leap back and forth between" is used when alternating between two things. For more than two, "leap back and forth among" would be more appropriate, though less common.

What does it mean to "leap back and forth between" ideas?

It means to quickly and repeatedly change your focus or consideration from one idea to another, often implying a sense of agility or dynamism in your thinking.