moved in and out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moved in and out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a motion or action where something or someone enters and exits a space repeatedly. Example: "The tide moved in and out, creating a rhythmic pattern along the shore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For years, Mr. Breuer moved in and out of government.

The New York Times

He moved in and out of the boxes.

The New York Times - Arts

AFTER that, Mr. Rosen moved in and out of a number of sectors with little success.

The New York Times

Rotating troops is appropriate, especially when entire units are moved in and out.

The New York Times

It moved in and out of him like the very most feared prison-shower assailant.

The New Yorker

Two women who work for him moved in and out of the kitchen, talking on cellphones.

The New York Times - Magazine

Forensic specialists moved in and out of the bits of the building that still stood.

The New York Times

But they moved in and out at odd hours and seemed to have no fixed jobs.

The New York Times

Dancers moved in and out of the cubes, sometimes tipping or moving them.

The New York Times - Arts

William Christenberry has moved in and out of the Evans penumbra all his life.

The New York Times - Books

Each dancer moved in and out of a separate fabric portal designed by Jene Highstein.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, consider alternatives such as "fluctuated" or "oscillated" to add precision and avoid literal interpretations of physical movement.

Common error

Avoid using "moved in and out" when describing a one-time event or a continuous state. It's best suited for describing repeated actions or changes over a period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moved in and out" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating repeated or intermittent movement or changes in status. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing both physical movement and abstract shifts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moved in and out" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe repeated or intermittent movement, changes in status, or fluctuations between different states. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When considering alternatives, "came and went" or "fluctuated between" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the specific context. To ensure clarity, avoid using "moved in and out" for one-time events or continuous states. With a neutral register and high frequency, "moved in and out" remains a valuable tool for expressing dynamic situations in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came and went

Emphasizes the transient nature of the movement or presence.

entered and exited

Highlights the act of entering and leaving a specific space or state.

alternated between

Focuses on the back-and-forth nature of the movement or state.

shuttled back and forth

Suggests a regular and repeated movement between two points.

fluctuated between

Highlights the varying states or conditions experienced.

oscillated between

Implies a rhythmic and cyclical movement or change.

relocated periodically

Indicates a recurring pattern of changing location.

transitioned repeatedly

Focuses on the repeated shifts or changes in status or location.

rotated through

Suggests a systematic movement through a series of positions or roles.

intermittently occupied

Emphasizes the irregular or sporadic nature of the occupation or presence.

FAQs

How can I use "moved in and out" in a sentence?

You can use "moved in and out" to describe physical movement, such as "The dancers "moved in and out" of the cubes.", or changes in status, such as "Companies "moved in and out" of the Fortune 500."

What are some alternatives to "moved in and out"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "came and went", "entered and exited", or "fluctuated between".

Is it correct to say "moved in and out of"?

Yes, "moved in and out of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, especially when describing movement between two or more locations or states.

What is the difference between "moved in and out" and "relocated"?

"Relocated" implies a permanent or long-term change of location, while "moved in and out" suggests a temporary or repeated change.