pacing back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"pacing back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is walking back and forth in an agitated or agitated state, such as when they are feeling anxious or agitated. For example, "John was pacing back and forth in the waiting room, anxious for news of his mother's surgery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The recreation consists of pacing back and forth, alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I could see my father pacing back and forth.

The Guardian

"I was just pacing back and forth waiting for my turn," he said.

The New York Times

Her cell was minuscule at 6ft by 9ft, and she spent days pacing back and forth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My son was adrenalized now, pacing back and forth between our two rods with agitation.

The New Yorker

He was pacing back and forth next to the guy on the floor.

The Guardian

Hate the game.' " Mr. Mitchell was pacing back and forth in his office.

The New York Times - Style

On the stage, Andrea was pacing back and forth, like a cat in a cage.

The New Yorker

And in the final work, "Wings," this agile dancer, pacing back and forth, tried to fly.

The New York Times - Arts

He fell silent for a moment, pacing back and forth in front of his audience.

The New York Times - Sports

AT first, the tall, wiry man was agitated, pacing back and forth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pacing back and forth" to vividly depict agitation, anxiety, or anticipation in a character or situation. It provides a clear visual image of restlessness.

Common error

While "pacing back and forth" is descriptive, excessive use can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "walking to and fro" or more specific actions depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pacing back and forth" functions as a descriptive gerund phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of agitation, anxiety, or deliberation. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English. It adds vivid imagery to the action being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pacing back and forth" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe someone moving restlessly, often due to anxiety or anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, as shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase paints a vivid picture of a character's emotional state. While it is useful for adding imagery, varying your language with alternatives like "walking to and fro" or more descriptive verbs can prevent repetitiveness in formal writing. Using "pacing back and forth" effectively involves understanding its connotations and choosing it when you want to convey a sense of unease or restlessness through physical movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walking to and fro

Emphasizes the repetitive motion of walking in opposite directions.

striding back and forth

Suggests a more purposeful or determined movement.

marching back and forth

Implies a more rigid and disciplined movement, often associated with military contexts.

shuffling back and forth

Describes a slower, less deliberate movement, possibly due to age or infirmity.

roaming to and fro

Suggests a more aimless or wandering movement.

treading back and forth

Emphasizes the act of stepping or walking repeatedly in the same area.

moving to and fro

A more general term for movement in opposite directions.

patrolling back and forth

Implies a watchful and protective movement, often associated with security.

ambling back and forth

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried movement.

wandering back and forth

Similar to roaming, but may imply a lack of direction or purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "pacing back and forth" to describe someone who is nervously walking in a limited space. For example, "The defendant was "pacing back and forth" while awaiting the jury's verdict."

What's a more formal alternative to "pacing back and forth"?

In a more formal context, consider using "walking to and fro" or describing the action with more nuanced verbs that capture the specific emotion or purpose behind the movement.

Is it ever appropriate to use "pacing back and fourth"?

No, the correct spelling is "pacing back and forth". "Fourth" is a numerical term and not related to movement in opposite directions.

What does "pacing back and forth" imply about a person's state of mind?

"Pacing back and forth" often suggests anxiety, nervousness, or restlessness. It indicates that the person is experiencing some internal conflict or anticipation.