movements back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "movements back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a repetitive motion or action that alternates in two opposite directions. Example: "The pendulum's movements back and forth created a soothing rhythm in the quiet room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The movements back and forth from the simple drawing to the explosion of imagination, all keyed to particular colors, garments and actions, make what at first seems an insubstantial volume a source of sustained delight.

The New York Times - Books

In one last point, the authors suggest that from genomic information, it appears that H. sapiens did not interbreed with Neanderthals and that it is likely that there was not just one movement out of Africa but movements back and forth, or to and from Africa, both in early and later modern H. sapiens history.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

ISIS became one of the primary beneficiaries of Turkish support[6], both before and after declaration the (Islamic State) Caliphate at the end of June 2014[7], as they had begun to control major border areas and therefore the transportation of material and foreign fighter movements back and forth across borders.

Huffington Post

The system demands a thinking process that might be harder for a difficult case (with movements back and forth) during the decision process in the program.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The possible movement back-and-forth between working in the eye care service and spending time within the training system raises questions as to who provides income to the employee-turned-trainee and who meets the cost of training.

Human Resources for Health

The tracker monitor reflects our movement, back and forth, in circles, sideways as we battle to find an open path to Davis Station several hundred kilometers to our south.

The Guardian

So the exhibition is driven by a sort of pendulum movement, back and forth in time, from one place to another.

The Guardian - Arts

The foreman, Frank DiBrino, told reporters that "there was movement back and forth" on each of the 12 counts and that the split among the jurors was "different on different charges".

The New York Times

Simple harmonic motion, in physics, repetitive movement back and forth through an equilibrium, or central, position, so that the maximum displacement on one side of this position is equal to the maximum displacement on the other side.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This constant movement back and forth keeps changing the population count in a very vexatious way, and it may become necessary to post extra skin divers beneath the surface along the principal water crossings.

The New Yorker

He went to work and came back again with a kind of rotary, mechanical movement, back and forth, back and forth, round and round and round like the steel arm of Solly's electric mixer, beating her up into a more and more voluminous foam.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "movements back and forth" to describe abstract concepts as well, such as negotiations or discussions that involve alternating viewpoints or proposals.

Common error

Avoid using "movements back and forth" when a simpler term like "oscillation" or "reciprocation" could suffice. Using complex phrasing in simple situations can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "movements back and forth" typically functions as a noun phrase describing a repetitive or alternating motion or action. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "movements back and forth" is a versatile phrase used to describe actions or motions that alternate between two points. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it appears across various contexts, it is frequently found in scientific and news media sources. Related phrases include "oscillating motions" and "reciprocal actions". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the intended repetitive and alternating nature, and avoid overuse in situations where simpler terms suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to-and-fro motion

A more informal way to describe movement in opposing directions.

reciprocating movement

A formal term emphasizing the alternating direction of the motion.

oscillating motions

Emphasizes the rhythmic swinging or vibration between two points.

alternating movements

Focuses on the sequence of changing directions or positions.

reciprocal actions

Highlights the mutual and alternating nature of the movements.

repeated oscillations

Stresses the recurring nature of the oscillatory motion.

shuttling motion

Implies a regular and repeated travel between two points.

coming and going

Describes the act of arriving and departing repeatedly.

fluctuations

Focuses on irregular variations or oscillations around a central point.

wavering motion

Suggests an unsteady or fluctuating movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "movements back and forth" to describe repetitive motion, such as "The machine's "movements back and forth" ensured even distribution of the mixture" or to describe alternating actions like "The negotiations involved "movements back and forth" between different proposals".

What are some alternatives to "movements back and forth"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "oscillations", "reciprocation", "alternating motions", or "to-and-fro motion".

Is it more appropriate to use "movement back and forth" or "movements back and forth"?

Use "movement back and forth" to describe a general action or process. Use "movements back and forth" when referring to specific instances or multiple occurrences of the action.

What does "movements back and forth" imply?

The phrase "movements back and forth" suggests a rhythmic or repetitive action between two points or positions. It can describe physical motion or abstract processes involving alternating states or decisions.