passed back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passed back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exchanged or shared between two or more parties, often in a discussion or negotiation context. Example: "The ideas were passed back and forth during the meeting until a consensus was reached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Customs passed back and forth.

The New York Times - Books

They passed back and forth on opposite courses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Helicopters bearing aid and supplies passed back and forth overhead.

The New Yorker

The ant world is a tumult, a noisy world of pheromones being passed back and forth.

The New Yorker

"The presidency is not a crown to be passed back and forth by you between two royal families".

The Economist

Inevitably, however, signals are picked up and passed back and forth, information leaks out, and a relationship develops.

The New York Times

"We have to work together in a way that information is passed back and forth more readily," he said.

The New York Times

As the scatological schoolyard taunts passed back and forth on Friday, slack-jawed voters struggled to contain their shock.

The New York Times

Each was also copy-edited through several stages of proof that were passed back and forth among the copy editor, Mr. Styron and Mr. Loomis.

The New York Times

After the war, control of the governor's office passed back and forth between Democrats and Republicans to the end of the century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Managers and employees must pass back and forth.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passed back and forth" to describe the exchange of information, objects, or control between two or more parties. It's effective in conveying a sense of reciprocity and continuous movement.

Common error

While "passed back and forth" is widely understood, it can sound informal in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or technical terms like "reciprocally exchanged" or "bilaterally transferred" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed back and forth" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which something is exchanged or moved, indicating a reciprocal or alternating action. Ludwig shows that it adds detail about how an action is performed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passed back and forth" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe a reciprocal exchange or movement between two or more entities. As Ludwig confirms, it functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, adding detail about the manner of action. While versatile across contexts, it's best suited for neutral to informal writing and should be used cautiously in highly formal or scientific settings. The phrase appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, conveying the dynamic nature of interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went back and forth

Simplified version, suitable for informal contexts; maintains the sense of movement and exchange.

reciprocally exchanged

Highlights the mutual exchange, placing more emphasis on the equality of the transaction.

exchanged reciprocally

Emphasizes the mutual and equal nature of the exchange, replacing the more directional "back and forth" with a term highlighting reciprocity.

shuttled between

Focuses on the movement between two points, often implying a more rapid or frequent exchange than "passed back and forth".

traded to and fro

Highlights the act of trading with a sense of movement in both directions, suggesting a more transactional context.

alternated between

Implies a sequential change between two states or owners, differing from the simultaneous exchange suggested by the original phrase.

relayed to each other

Focuses on communication or information transfer, emphasizing the collaborative aspect of the exchange.

circulated among

Suggests distribution within a group, highlighting the shared nature of the item being passed.

moved in both directions

A more literal description of the movement, lacking the idiomatic quality of the original phrase.

transferred bilaterally

Emphasizes the two-sided nature of the transfer, often used in technical or formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "passed back and forth" to describe the exchange of items, information, or even control between two or more entities. For example, "The ball was "passed back and forth" between the players on the team".

What are some alternatives to "passed back and forth"?

Alternatives include "exchanged reciprocally", "shuttled between", or "reciprocally exchanged", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "passed back and forth", or should I use a different phrase?

The phrase "passed back and forth" is correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in reputable sources.

What is the difference between "passed back and forth" and "reciprocated"?

"Passed back and forth" implies a continuous exchange or movement between two entities, while "reciprocated" generally suggests a single act of returning a favor or action. The former is more dynamic, the latter more static.