moving in and out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moving in and out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of entering and exiting a space or situation repeatedly. Example: "The children were moving in and out of the house, playing tag in the yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The changeup, the fastball's moving in and out, just trying to throw strikes and let them put it in play.

The New York Times - Sports

Your diaphragm, which is just below your ribs, should be moving in and out quickly as you breath.

WikiHow

You keep moving in and out".

The New Yorker

Huge piles of cash were moving in and out.

The New York Times

But what he liked seeing most were the people moving in and out of the terminal.

The New Yorker

Why was the camera moving in and out, a technique unknown in 1912?

The New Yorker

As a result "the birds are constantly moving in and out of focus," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

With the two moving in and out of consonance, neither side ever gets the upper hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Fire marshals had to keep people moving in and out to comply with safety regulations.

The New York Times

After moving in and out of prison, he was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1985.

The Guardian

"We like to keep the guys moving in and out as best we can," Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moving in and out" to describe dynamic situations where entities or objects repeatedly enter and exit a space or state. This phrase is especially effective when highlighting the transient nature of the movement.

Common error

Avoid using "moving in and out" when a simpler verb like "entering" or "exiting" would suffice. Overusing the phrase in static or non-repetitive contexts can make your writing sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moving in and out" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a modifier or part of a compound verb. It describes a continuous or repeated action of entering and exiting, providing dynamic context to the situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moving in and out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the recurring action of entering and exiting. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and suitable for various contexts. Its primary function is to add dynamism and emphasize the repetitive nature of the movement, as demonstrated by numerous examples. While it's prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for diverse writing scenarios. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on repetition, avoiding overuse in static descriptions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "moving in and out" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entering and exiting

Emphasizes the action of going in and then coming out, focusing on the transition itself.

coming and going

Highlights the back-and-forth nature of the movement, often implying a frequent or regular occurrence.

fluctuating

Focuses on the change in state or level, suggesting an irregular rise and fall.

shuttling

Implies a regular and repeated movement between two points, like a shuttle service.

alternating

Suggests a sequential change, taking turns between two states or positions.

oscillating

Describes a regular back-and-forth movement around a central point, often used in scientific contexts.

circulating

Indicates a continuous movement within a closed system or area.

traversing

Focuses on the act of moving across or through an area, often implying a journey.

intermittently appearing and disappearing

Emphasizes the sporadic nature of the movement, with periods of visibility and invisibility.

cycling

Implies a process that repeats in a circular or recurring pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "moving in and out" to describe something that repeatedly enters and exits a space or situation. For example, "The tide was moving in and out", or "Customers were moving in and out of the store all day".

What phrases are similar to "moving in and out"?

Similar phrases include "entering and exiting", "coming and going", or "fluctuating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "moving in and out of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "moving in and out of" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is used to describe the action of repeatedly entering and exiting a specific place or situation.

What's the difference between "moving in and out" and "coming and going"?

"Moving in and out" can describe the physical action more directly, while "coming and going" often implies a more general sense of activity and traffic. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.