move back and forth between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move back and forth between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something alternates or oscillates between two or more states, options, or locations. Example: "In her research, she tends to move back and forth between different theories to find the most suitable one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

For 18 intensive days, the teachers move back and forth between the classroom and the laboratory.

The New York Times

Both move back and forth between large proscenium theaters and small black-box spaces.

The New York Times

But Ingrid could move back and forth between us all night with ease.

The New Yorker

The world is populated by mythical fish, frogs and birds, and frogs that move back and forth between natural elements.

The New York Times

While not abandoning animal studies, scientists might now move back and forth between animal and human studies.

The New York Times

Many Chechen men move back and forth between a stint as a fighter and a rest in the ruins and refugee camps that most now call home.

The Economist

And I'm going to move back and forth between foreign and domestic since that is what a vice president or president would have to do.

The New York Times

Originally built in 1912 to allow grazing cows to move back and forth between the village and the riverbanks, the tunnel has become a landmark for local residents.

The New York Times

The administrators let me move back and forth between schools and I graduated with a J.D. and a Ph.D. in economics.

The New York Times

One concern about animals' harboring the virus is the possibility that viruses will change as they move back and forth between species, perhaps by mixing with other viruses.

The New York Times

The actors move back and forth between the center and the edges, taking part in different vignettes or just milling about, looking conspiratorially into the cameras.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move back and forth between" to clearly indicate a reversible or alternating action, state, or location.

Common error

Avoid using "move back and forth between" excessively in a single piece of writing; consider synonyms like "alternate" or "oscillate" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move back and forth between" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to indicate oscillation or alternation between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move back and forth between" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes oscillation or alternation between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct. It's frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral formality level. While alternatives like "alternate between" or "oscillate between" exist, "move back and forth between" provides a clear and direct way to express reversible or alternating actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternate between

Focuses on the act of switching from one thing to another repeatedly.

oscillate between

Implies a rhythmic movement or variation between two points or states.

fluctuate between

Highlights the irregular rising and falling or variation between different conditions.

shift between

Emphasizes a change or transfer from one state, position, or direction to another.

seesaw between

Suggests an alternating movement like a seesaw, often implying instability.

shuttle between

Conveys the idea of traveling frequently and regularly between two places.

yo-yo between

Similar to seesaw but often implies more dramatic and unpredictable fluctuations.

interchange between

Focuses on the reciprocal exchange or substitution between two things.

swing between

Suggests a broad, sweeping change or shift between two options or states.

commute between

Implies a regular journey between two places, typically home and work.

FAQs

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

You can use "move back and forth between" to describe alternating actions, states, or locations. For example: "The teacher "moved back and forth between" the classroom and the laboratory."

What's a synonym for "move back and forth between"?

Alternatives include "alternate between", "oscillate between", or "fluctuate between", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "move back and forwards between"?

While "move back and forth between" is standard, "move back and forwards between" is less common but understandable. The former is generally preferred.

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

It means to alternate between considering or discussing different ideas, often to compare them or find a compromise.