migrate back and forth between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "migrate back and forth between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of moving or transitioning repeatedly between two or more places, states, or conditions. Example: "Birds often migrate back and forth between their breeding grounds and wintering habitats."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Different diffusion processes by which these sulphate species can migrate back and forth between PdO and the support, depending on the experimental conditions, are suggested.

Catalysis Today

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

While the experiment does not prove that life migrated back and forth between Earth and Mars, "it makes it a lot more plausible," Dr. Melosh said.

The New York Times - Science

Between January and April 2010, four males migrated back and forth between the groups KA and KB and associated with the group for periods between a few hours up to 3 weeks before migrating back to their 'home' group.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

From late December to mid-April, gray whales migrate back and forth along the Mendocino coast.

The New York Times - Travel

Suppose there are three types of immigrants, recent ones, long-term ones, and "churners" who migrate back and forth.

IZA Journal of Migration

Episodes migrate back and forth from the doctors interacting with their patients, and with their co-workers.

Wikipedia

Hartford is the place where the poet Wallace Stevens spent a substantial portion of his life, and he composed many of his verses — bizarrely exquisite blossoms unlike anything else in the canon of American literature — while migrating back and forth on foot between his comfortable house on Westerly Terrace and his office at an insurance company.

The New York Times - Travel

Lubotsky (2007) shows that a significant portion of the immigrant population migrates back and forth, not allowing us to accurately measure immigrant composition.

IZA Journal of Migration

Both the Aro and Hausa migrated back and forth to what is now the city of Enugu and were considered foreigners to the area.

Wikipedia

"You long for the back-and-forth between actors' eyes.

The Guardian - Film

At present, many people migrate temporarily or travel back and forth between their community of origin and their destination.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "migrate back and forth between", ensure that the context clearly indicates the two (or more) distinct entities or locations involved in the movement or transition. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "migrate back and forth between" when simpler verbs like "move", "travel", or "switch" would be more appropriate. Overusing 'migrate' metaphorically can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "migrate back and forth between" functions as a verb phrase indicating a recurring movement or transition between two entities or states. Ludwig confirms its correctness, providing real-world examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "migrate back and forth between" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe repetitive movement or transitions between two or more defined points. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's commonly found in diverse contexts like science, news, and general discourse. While it can be used metaphorically, writers should be mindful of potential overuse. Consider alternatives like "move back and forth between" or "switch between" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move back and forth between

Focuses on physical movement rather than a broader concept of migration.

travel back and forth between

Emphasizes the act of traveling, implying a journey.

shuttle between

Implies a more regular and frequent movement between two points.

alternate between

Highlights the act of switching or taking turns between different states or locations.

oscillate between

Suggests a rhythmic or cyclical movement between two extremes.

fluctuate between

Implies irregular variations or changes between different states or conditions.

switch back and forth between

Focuses on the act of actively changing or selecting between options.

yo-yo between

Uses a metaphor to emphasize the up-and-down nature of the movement or transition.

commute between

Specifically refers to regular travel between home and work or school.

circulate between

Suggests a continuous movement within a defined area or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "migrate back and forth between" to describe the movement of animals, people, or even abstract concepts between two locations or states. For example, "Birds often "travel back and forth between" their summer and winter habitats".

What does "migrate back and forth between" mean?

The phrase "migrate back and forth between" refers to repeatedly moving or transitioning from one place, state, or condition to another and then returning. It suggests a cyclical or recurring pattern of movement.

Which is a better alternative to "migrate back and forth between": "move between" or "switch between"?

The best alternative depends on the context. "Move between" is more general and suitable for physical movement. "Switch between" implies a conscious decision or change of state.

Is it correct to use "migrate back and forth between" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe the repeated shift between different ideas, emotions, or perspectives. However, ensure the context is appropriate and the meaning remains clear.