leaps back and forth between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaps back and forth between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something oscillates or alternates between two or more states, ideas, or locations. Example: "The narrative leaps back and forth between the past and present, creating a complex timeline for the reader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

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

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

You need to jump back and forth between the walls.

WikiHow

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

NIX TEMPORAL TRICKS FOR THE STICKS: Forget disorienting leaps back and forth in time.

The New York Times

Right from the outset the film shifts to and fro between the multiple different points of view of its protagonists, and leaps back and forth in time to tell the story.

The Guardian - Film

The plot leaps back and forth across multiple timelines as the nature of Heidi's work is revealed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Cronin leaps back and forth in time, sprinkling his narrative with diaries, ­e-mail messages, maps, newspaper articles and legal documents.

The New York Times - Books

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "leaps back and forth between", ensure the subjects you're connecting are distinct and contribute meaningfully to the overall context. For instance, "the novel leaps back and forth between the protagonist's childhood and her present-day struggles" provides a clear contrast and purpose.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when describing the action of "leaps back and forth between". Ensure the verb tenses remain consistent to maintain clarity and avoid confusing the reader. For example, don't start with "the narrative leaps" and then switch to "it jumped".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaps back and forth between" functions as a dynamic descriptor, illustrating a subject's frequent alternation between different states, ideas, or locations. It effectively conveys a sense of rapid or noticeable transitions, and Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leaps back and forth between" effectively describes a subject's frequent and noticeable alternation between different states or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While alternatives like "alternates between" or "switches between" exist, "leaps back and forth between" conveys a more dynamic and abrupt transition. When using this phrase, it's crucial to maintain consistent tense usage and ensure the connected subjects are distinct and meaningful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternates between

Focuses on the act of switching regularly between two things.

switches between

Emphasizes the action of changing from one thing to another.

oscillates between

Highlights a regular fluctuation between different points.

fluctuates between

Suggests irregular variations between different things.

shifts between

Indicates a change in position or focus from one thing to another.

moves between

Focuses on the movement from one thing to another.

jumps between

Implies quick and abrupt changes between different elements.

varies between

Highlights the differences observed from one thing to another.

transitions between

Emphasizes a smooth change from one condition or place to another.

revolves between

Signifies something that repeatedly returns to a certain point.

FAQs

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

Use "leaps back and forth between" to describe something that alternates quickly between two or more things. For example, "The movie "leaps back and forth between" past and present scenes".

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

You can use alternatives such as "alternates between", "switches between", or "oscillates between" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

While "leap back and forth between" can be grammatically correct depending on the context (e.g., as an infinitive), "leaps back and forth between" is often used to describe a subject's action. Ensure the verb form matches the subject and tense of your sentence.

How does "leaps back and forth between" differ from "shifts back and forth between"?

"Leaps back and forth between" suggests a more sudden or abrupt transition, whereas "shifts back and forth between" implies a smoother or more gradual change. The choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the transition you are describing.