pattern back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pattern back and forth" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used to describe a repetitive movement or behavior that alternates in direction, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "The pendulum began to pattern back and forth, creating a soothing rhythm in the room."

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That is, during Rest2 the PCC switched its connectivity pattern back and forth between a group of DN regions and a different set of regions.

Plosone

Now, once you have mastered the little half~a~bunny~hop~to~the~rhythm thing, try it again, only this time, bounce your feet and move your body in a rocking pattern back and forth to the rhythm at the same time.

WikiHow

To tighten 12mm bolts securely without over-tightening, breaking one off: Start the bolts by hand; first just barely snug them, then gradually tighten them evenly, in two for three passes, in a star pattern, back and forth across, from side-to-side to minimize any possible warping.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Once set in motion, the Roomba travels in what seems to be a random pattern -- back and forth, up and down, sometimes in a straight line, sometimes not -- until it decides that the job is done.

The New York Times - Tech

This pattern of back and forth is more or less standard at any game, but occasionally you get a moment of unity.

Vice

This pattern of back and forth was to continue until the Mysore army was recalled, a few months later, to Seringapatam, leaving the region again vulnerable to the periodic raids of the Coorg army.

Wikipedia

If you want a longer cable pattern, alternate back and forth between cable rows and wrong side rows until you reach the length you desire.

WikiHow

Displaying some 130 textiles (many exhibited for the first time), along with a handful of garments, paintings and prints, the show will trace how ideas and patterns traveled back and forth among Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Indian subcontinent, exploring one of the most multicultural of art mediums.

The New York Times - Arts

Consistent with product directions, the pre-moistened manufacturer-supplied swab was rubbed over an approximately 2 × 2 inch area, first covering the area with a back-and-forth pattern and subsequently in an overlapping but perpendicular back-and-forth pattern, performed with a twisting motion to expose the entire swab to the surface.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

Johnson's final 3-pointer ended the game's back-and-forth pattern, which lasted for 47 minutes.

The New York Times - Sports

The market has been trading in a back-and-forth pattern in recent weeks as many investors remain unconvinced that the economic recovery will hold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pattern back and forth" when describing a repetitive sequence of actions or movements that alternate in direction. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the elements involved in the alternating pattern for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "pattern back and forth" for simple, isolated movements. For example, instead of saying "the cat moved its tail in a pattern back and forth", consider using a simpler phrase like "the cat wagged its tail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pattern back and forth" functions as a descriptive phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a repetitive or alternating movement or arrangement. As shown in Ludwig, it describes how something moves or changes direction repeatedly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pattern back and forth" describes a repetitive or alternating sequence of actions or movements. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI indicates it is not a standard phrase and could cause confusion. The phrase appears in a variety of contexts, ranging from science to news and media, as the examples show. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overuse in simple movement descriptions. Alternative phrases like "oscillating pattern" or "alternating sequence" may offer greater precision or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to-and-fro motion

Uses a more traditional expression for back and forth movement.

oscillating pattern

Replaces "back and forth" with a single word indicating repetitive movement around a central point.

fluctuating pattern

Replaces "back and forth" with an emphasis on irregular variations.

alternating sequence

Emphasizes the sequential and reciprocal nature of the pattern.

repeating rhythm

Suggests a patterned movement that is periodic and consistent.

reciprocal arrangement

Focuses on the mutual or corresponding relationship within the pattern.

shuttle motion

Evokes the idea of moving repeatedly between two points.

iterative cycle

Highlights the repetitive nature of the pattern, suggesting a loop or recurring process.

reversing trend

Implies a pattern of changing direction repeatedly over time.

zigzag design

Specifies a particular back and forth visual pattern.

FAQs

How can I describe a simpler movement instead of using "pattern back and forth"?

For simpler movements, consider using more direct verbs like "swayed", "rocked", or "oscillated". If the movement involves returning to a previous position, phrases like "moved to and fro" can also work.

What does "pattern back and forth" typically describe?

It usually describes a repetitive sequence or alternating movement between two points or states. It's often used to explain a design, process, or behavior that involves going from one thing to another and then back again.

Is there a more formal way to express "pattern back and forth"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "alternating sequence", "reciprocal arrangement", or "iterative cycle". These phrases convey a similar meaning but with a more academic or professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "pattern back and forth" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the repetitive and alternating nature of a process, design, or movement. However, ensure the context is clear and the alternating elements are easily identifiable.