pushed back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushed back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is moved repeatedly in opposite directions or to indicate a back-and-forth exchange of ideas or arguments. Example: "The debate continued, with points being pushed back and forth between the two speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

When he was caught, he was bound, pummeled, and pushed back and forth between hostile captors; he thought a crowd would tear him apart.

The New York Times

Outside, the young Sean O'Casey, who couldn't afford the shilling admission fee, was pushed back and forth by what he called "Gaelic Leaguers foaming at the mouth".

The Guardian

Over recent weeks, boats full of migrants have been pushed back and forth between the navies of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, with no country willing to take them in.

The Guardian

A bare-chested prisoner, suspended upside down from a rope tied to his ankles, is pushed back and forth by brutish guards with clubs as if he were a human piñata.

The New York Times - Arts

At the start of the play, the tube funnels the cast of 13 men and women in Minnie Mouse dresses on to the stage, then gets pushed back and forth like the cylinder of a monstrous steamroller, and eventually triples up as the drum of a human hamster wheel.

The Guardian

Huge 100-metre lengths of steel were slowly pulled off the back of five flat bed carriages, more machines pushed back and forth on to the track bending it into place, others pressed home clamps fixing it to the first of more than 97,000 concrete sleepers.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In the afternoon, both sides push back and forth in this area.

The New York Times

A "scrum" is a rugby play in which the two lines push back and forth to try to gain control of the ball.

The New York Times

It is not the sort of dispute in which enemies push back and forth over a line until they grow tired.

The Economist

If you're not in a hot streak, you might be pushing back and forth, but a lot of things you can't explain, and that's one of those things you can't explain".

The New York Times - Sports

Because neither Mr. Assad nor the rebels are strong enough to win, the battle lines push back and forth, rolling across communities in waves of destruction that kill thousands but accomplish little else.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pushed back and forth" to vividly describe a reciprocal action or movement, whether physical or abstract (e.g., in negotiations or debates).

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "pushed back and forth" excessively in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and technical terms when appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushed back and forth" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe a reciprocal or alternating action. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing both physical and abstract movements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pushed back and forth" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe reciprocal movement, exchange, or contention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in English writing. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in formal or scientific contexts. Related phrases such as "shoved to and fro" or "oscillated between positions" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shoved to and fro

This alternative emphasizes a forceful, reciprocal motion, similar to being physically pushed.

oscillated between positions

This phrase highlights the act of moving or swinging regularly between different positions or states.

bandied about

This implies an exchange of ideas or arguments, often without much progress.

jockeyed for position

This suggests a competitive struggle for a more advantageous situation.

seesawed between options

This captures the idea of alternating between choices, like a seesaw's motion.

wavered back and forth

This suggests indecision or a fluctuating opinion.

traded blows

This implies a reciprocal exchange of attacks or arguments.

alternated positions

This is a neutral way to describe the act of taking turns in different roles or locations.

yo-yoed between extremes

This highlights a rapid oscillation between two opposite states.

fluctuated greatly

This describes a situation with irregular shifts or changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "pushed back and forth" to describe literal movements, such as "The swing was "swung back and forth" by the child", or abstract situations, such as "Ideas were "debated back and forth" during the meeting".

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

Depending on the context, alternatives include "shoved to and fro", "oscillated between positions", or "bandied about".

Is "pushed back and forth" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pushed back and forth" is a grammatically sound phrase and is widely used in English, as confirmed by Ludwig and numerous reliable sources.

What's the difference between "pushed back and forth" and "moved back and forth"?

"Pushed back and forth" implies a more forceful or contested movement than "moved back and forth", which is a more neutral description of reciprocal movement.