mailing back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mailing back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the exchange of messages or items between two or more parties, typically through postal mail or email. Example: "We have been mailing back and forth for weeks to finalize the details of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We e-mailed back and forth for a year and talked about everything," Green said.

The New Yorker

Afterward, they e-mailed back and forth, and he asked her on a date.

The New York Times

But they will e-mail back and forth all the time".

The New York Times - Tech

George and I e-mail back and forth for weeks, uncovering the truth of our tween years.

The New York Times - Magazine

As fellow tech-averse bookworms with similar grievances, we e-mailed back and forth, eventually concluding that it would be easier to start our small press if we lived in the same place.

The New York Times

She said that she and Ms. Dunham e-mailed back and forth regularly for six months, refining the shades — classic pink for responsible art gallerina Marnie; edgy burgundy for free-spirited Jessa, and a prim violet for innocent Shoshanna — and that she spent hours repeatedly watching the first season to get a sense of each woman's unique environment and taste.

The New York Times

"We e-mailed back and forth maybe 20 or 30 times a week," Mr. Calcano said, explaining that over a period of about a month the agency had lined up a couple of dozen houses for them to see in Westchester County, in and near Rye.

The New York Times

In the months that followed, as we e-mailed back and forth about the article, Taub continued to offer me a jacket to take apart, but he ultimately convinced me that a tailor trying to copy Gieves & Hawkes's work might only become befuddled.

The New Yorker

They start e-mailing back and forth and then they bring other people into the conversation and perhaps start to collaborate on Facebook until "bang"–something stops the collaboration merry-go-round.

Forbes

"I can't tell you how many times I've been e-mailing back and forth with someone and we decided to meet at the Google lounge," says Justin LoFranco, Digital Director for House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, "Google's convention hub is the perfect combination of a digital and social hangout.

TechCrunch

Whether you're sitting in front of a PC screen or a laptop or a digital projection in a theater, you're still going to be able to text, you're still going to have real-time discussion groups, you're still going to be able to e-mail back and forth and interact.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mailing back and forth", ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to physical mail or email correspondence. If the context is ambiguous, specify the medium for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "mailing back and forth" when it's unclear whether you mean physical mail or email. This can lead to misunderstandings. Instead, be explicit: "We've been exchanging emails" or "We've been sending letters".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mailing back and forth" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a reciprocal exchange of physical mail or documents between two or more parties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mailing back and forth" is used to describe a reciprocal exchange of items via postal services. While grammatically correct and usable, its frequency is relatively low. It's important to ensure clarity by specifying whether you're referring to physical mail or email, especially in professional or business contexts. Ludwig AI marks it as correct and usable in written English. Alternatives include "exchanging letters" or "corresponding reciprocally", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exchanging correspondence

Highlights the exchange of formal written communication.

corresponding reciprocally

Emphasizes the mutual exchange but is more formal.

swapping letters

Implies a casual exchange of physical letters.

shuffling mail

Suggests a less organized or frequent exchange of physical mail.

trading packages

Refers to the exchange of physical packages rather than messages.

relaying postal items

Focuses on the act of passing items through the postal system.

interchanging dispatches

More formal and suggests official communication.

dispatching reciprocally

Formal term indicating a mutual sending of items.

shipping to and fro

Implies a continuous movement of goods back and forth.

routing mail bilaterally

Technical term focusing on the logistical aspect of sending mail in both directions.

FAQs

How to use "mailing back and forth" in a sentence?

You can use "mailing back and forth" to describe an exchange of physical letters or packages. For example, "We were "mailing back and forth" documents to finalize the agreement."

What's the difference between "mailing back and forth" and "emailing back and forth"?

"Mailing back and forth" typically refers to sending physical items or documents via postal mail, while "emailing back and forth" refers to exchanging electronic messages.

Is "mailing back and forth" formal or informal?

"Mailing back and forth" is generally considered neutral in tone. The level of formality depends more on the context and the content of the messages exchanged rather than the phrase itself.

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "exchanging letters", "corresponding reciprocally", or, if referring to email, "emailing each other".