oscillating between

USAGE SUMMARY

"oscillating between" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which two things (or more) alternate or keep changing back and forth. For example, "We have been oscillating between making the decision to stay or move for the past few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their gigs are similarly intense, oscillating between reaching for greatness and collapsing into chaos.

The Guardian - Music

Fight them and you end up oscillating between costive high-mindedness and indiscriminate vacuity.

The Guardian - Books

What you are actually doing, he went on, is "oscillating between the two".

The New York Times - Health

Today's strike action leaves many teachers, myself included, oscillating between inertia and action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clarkson, his expression oscillating between glee and terror, bellows "CRIKEY!" or somesuch.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I was extraordinarily fortunate to be oscillating between these opposite poles".

The New York Times

The fingerprint of their music, as Drew says, is oscillating between the raw and the cooked.

The Guardian - Music

In his speeches, Mr. Hussein has sounded like a man terminally vexed, oscillating between submission and defiance.

The New York Times

The latter, oscillating between addiction and withdrawal, veered towards paranoia, while aching from his obsessive love for Ginsberg.

The Guardian - Books

The fixation of one person on another — oscillating between attraction and antagonism — figures prominently in almost every Highsmith tale.

The New Yorker

Carmel's beleaguered mother, Beth, shares the role of first-person narrator with her daughter, in chapters oscillating between perspectives.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "oscillating between", ensure the items you are contrasting are conceptually distinct but related. This creates a more meaningful comparison and avoids trivial or illogical statements.

Common error

Avoid using "oscillating between" for simple binary choices where a direct verb like 'choosing' or 'selecting' is more appropriate. The phrase is most effective when describing a more nuanced or complex interplay between two options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "oscillating between" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a state of fluctuation or alternation between two specified conditions or entities. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "oscillating between" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to effectively describe a state of fluctuation or alternation. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember to use this phrase when describing a continuous, dynamic change, and avoid overusing it in simple situations where more direct verbs might suffice. Related phrases include "fluctuating between" and "alternating between", offering similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fluctuating between

Emphasizes irregular shifts and variations more strongly than "oscillating between".

alternating between

Highlights a regular, back-and-forth pattern rather than a continuous range.

wavering between

Suggests indecision or instability in choice or opinion.

swinging between

Implies larger, more dramatic shifts or changes.

varying between

Focuses on the differences that exist within a certain range.

shifting between

Suggests a gradual change or movement from one thing to another.

ranging from...to

Indicates a span or spectrum with defined limits.

moving back and forth between

More descriptive, explicitly showing a repeated movement.

teetering between

Conveys a sense of precarious balance and instability.

yo-yoing between

Suggests a rapid and repetitive up-and-down movement, often in an unpredictable way.

FAQs

How can I use "oscillating between" in a sentence?

Use "oscillating between" to describe a state or process that alternates or fluctuates between two distinct conditions or options. For example: "The company is "oscillating between" expansion and consolidation."

What are some alternatives to "oscillating between"?

Alternatives include "fluctuating between", "alternating between", or "wavering between". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "oscillating between" or "alternating between"?

"Oscillating between" suggests a continuous, dynamic movement, while "alternating between" implies a more discrete, step-by-step change. Choose based on whether the process feels continuous or more like distinct switches.

What's the difference between "oscillating between" and "ranging between"?

"Oscillating between" describes a back-and-forth movement, whereas "ranging between" indicates the limits of a spectrum or scale. You'd use "ranging between" to specify the lowest and highest values, but not to describe a continuous shift.