pass back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass back and forth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to repeatedly exchange or hand over something between two or more people. Example: The group of friends sat in a circle, passing the ball back and forth as they chatted and laughed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Managers and employees must pass back and forth.

The Guardian - Business

So everyone has to pass back and forth through the Messe's cavernous halls.

The Economist

In the games of lesser players the initiative might pass back and forth as players err.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Watching cases pass back and forth between agencies, each conference registering neglect and violence.

The Guardian

When I got to pass back and forth with Pep Guardiola, I thought that my day was complete.

The New York Times

Where a system is periodically perturbed, processes can pass back and forth between disequilibrium and steady-state conditions rather frequently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

BuzzFeed President and COO Jon Steinberg told me that ideas often pass back-and-forth between the company's ad side and editorial side, and that he's actually interested in exploring a non-sponsored, desktop version of the Listiclock.

TechCrunch

But even the mundane passes back-and-forth from earth to the astronauts seem momentous.

Vice

Customs passed back and forth.

The New York Times - Books

Helicopters bearing aid and supplies passed back and forth overhead.

The New Yorker

They passed back and forth on opposite courses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass back and forth" when describing a reciprocal action where items, information, or even control are exchanged between two or more parties or entities. It clearly indicates a two-way movement or exchange.

Common error

Avoid using "pass back and forth" if the action is only one-way or if the return action isn't explicitly mentioned. Ensure that the context clearly establishes that the passing is indeed happening in both directions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass back and forth" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a reciprocal action involving the transfer or exchange of something between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its role in conveying mutual exchange, as seen in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pass back and forth" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a reciprocal exchange or movement between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears frequently in diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a two-way exchange to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "exchange reciprocally" or "shuttle between" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move reciprocally

Focuses on the reciprocal movement between two entities.

exchange reciprocally

Emphasizes the mutual exchange aspect, simplifying the original phrase.

trade to and fro

Replaces "pass" with "trade" and "back and forth" with "to and fro", focusing on exchange.

shuttle between

Implies a regular movement or transfer between two points.

alternate repeatedly

Highlights the alternating nature of the action, focusing on repetition.

circulate between

Suggests a continuous movement within a closed system.

relay continuously

Focuses on the continuous transfer or handing over.

interchange frequently

Highlights the frequent exchange or swapping of something.

transfer iteratively

Emphasizes the step-by-step transfer process.

bandy about

Implies casual or frivolous discussion or exchange.

FAQs

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

Use "pass back and forth" to describe a repeated exchange. For example, "The students "passed notes back and forth" during the lecture".

What does "pass back and forth" mean?

The phrase "pass back and forth" means to repeatedly exchange something, whether it's a physical object, information, or even control, between two or more parties.

What can I say instead of "pass back and forth"?

You can use alternatives like "exchange reciprocally", "trade to and fro", or "shuttle between" depending on the context.

Is "passing back and forth" grammatically correct?

Yes, "passing back and forth" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct. For example, "They were "passing the ball back and forth"".