moves back and forth between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moves back and forth between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something oscillates or alternates between two states, ideas, or locations. Example: "The discussion moves back and forth between various theories, making it difficult to reach a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The string writing moves back and forth between painful intensity and frozen introspection, with many subtle shades in between.

The Guardian - Music

"Mountains" spans several generations and moves back and forth between Afghanistan and the West.

The New York Times - Books

He compares it to the way Mr. Alarcón moves back and forth between fiction and nonfiction.

The New York Times - Books

It may be that he moves back and forth between the two".

The New York Times

Ms. Knowlton also moves back and forth between charm and rage as Irene.

The New York Times

The picture, a Roman idyll, gently but surely moves back and forth between romantic comedy and satirical farce.

The New Yorker

Michael moves back and forth between those two worlds, and each has its own psychiatrist, partner and homicide cases.

The New York Times - Arts

His novel moves back and forth between stern realism and fantasia, despair and rhapsody, formal syntax and jazzy, impassioned riffs.

The New Yorker

Rather, the fuzziness comes from the fact that today's antitax movement moves back and forth between two doctrines.

The New York Times - Magazine

The menu moves back and forth between two poles: an almost rustic simplicity and sometimes heavy, lavishly presented fancy food.

The New York Times - Food

The meticulously structured plot moves back and forth between hunter and hunted, covering a big stretch of wild country.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moves back and forth between" to describe dynamic processes or situations where there is a continuous shift or exchange between two entities or states.

Common error

Avoid using "moves back and forth between" when describing a fixed relationship or a situation that doesn't involve actual movement or alternation. Use more static descriptors instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moves back and forth between" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which an action occurs, indicating an oscillation or alternation between two defined points or states, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Books

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moves back and forth between" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe alternation or oscillation between two defined elements. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, science, and the arts. While it is most commonly found in neutral registers, it's essential to ensure the described action involves genuine movement or alternation. Related phrases like "alternates between" or "oscillates between" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. The phrase's high frequency and broad applicability make it a valuable tool for clear and dynamic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternates between

This phrase emphasizes a regular, repeated change from one thing to another.

oscillates between

This suggests a rhythmic movement or fluctuation between two states or conditions.

shifts between

Implies a change in position, focus, or emphasis from one thing to another.

fluctuates between

Indicates an irregular rise and fall or variation between different levels or states.

varies between

Highlights the differences and changes occurring between two distinct options or possibilities.

transitions between

Focuses on the process of changing from one condition or location to another.

switches between

Suggests a quick and often deliberate change from one thing to another.

alternating from one to another

This alternative describes the action of changing regularly between two things.

going from one to another

This alternative indicates a simple movement between two things or states.

interchanges between

This suggests a mutual exchange or substitution between two things.

FAQs

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

The phrase "moves back and forth between" is used to describe something that alternates or oscillates between two different states, locations, or ideas. For example: "The discussion "moves back and forth between" various theories".

What can I say instead of "moves back and forth between"?

You can use alternatives such as "alternates between", "oscillates between", or "shifts between" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "moves back and forth between" and "shifts between"?

"Moves back and forth between" implies a more regular and perhaps physical movement, while "shifts between" can suggest a more subtle or abstract change in focus or emphasis.

Is it correct to say "travels back and forth between" instead of "moves back and forth between"?

Yes, "travels back and forth between" is a valid alternative, particularly when referring to physical movement or transportation between two locations. It emphasizes the act of going from one place to another and then returning.