pushing back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a movement or exchange occurring in opposite directions repeatedly, often in a discussion or debate context. Example: "The two teams were pushing back and forth on the issue, trying to reach a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

McHugh and other Kennedy aides were still pushing back and forth down the crowded aisle in the passenger portion of the plane, and in the stateroom men and women were asking one another what was happening, what was going to happen.

The New Yorker

After the 3 minutes, it is common to stop pushing, and glance or nouse-touch again before beginning another period of locking antlers, pushing back and forth, twisting and turning again.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

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

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

The Economist

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pushing back and forth" to describe situations involving reciprocal actions or resistance, such as in negotiations, physical contests, or debates. This phrase effectively conveys the dynamic nature of the interaction.

Common error

Don't use "pushing back and forth" to describe situations that are static or lack reciprocal movement. This phrase implies a dynamic interaction, so ensure it accurately reflects the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing back and forth" functions as a dynamic descriptor, typically acting as part of a verb phrase to indicate reciprocal action or resistance. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pushing back and forth" effectively describes reciprocal actions or resistance between entities, whether in negotiations, physical activities, or abstract debates. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in more general references. While its register is generally neutral, it is often replaced by more specialized terminology in academic or professional environments. Remember to use this phrase when highlighting the active and dynamic nature of an interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shifting back and forth

Highlights a change in position or emphasis between two points.

pulling back and forth

Emphasizes a drawing or tugging motion in alternating directions.

rushing back and forth

Focuses on speed and rapid movement in opposite directions.

oscillating back and forth

Suggests a regular, rhythmic movement between two extremes.

arguing back and forth

Specifically indicates a verbal exchange of opposing viewpoints.

negotiating back and forth

Implies a formal discussion with reciprocal concessions.

bandying back and forth

Highlights a casual or playful exchange of ideas or remarks.

trading blows

Suggests a conflict or competition with alternating advantages.

yo-yoing

Describes a situation with frequent ups and downs or reversals.

see-sawing

Emphasizes an alternating pattern of dominance or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "pushing back and forth" to describe a situation where there is reciprocal action or resistance, as in, "The negotiators were "pushing back and forth", each trying to get the best deal".

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

Alternatives include "shifting back and forth", "pulling back and forth", or "arguing back and forth", depending on the specific context.

Is there a more formal way to say "pushing back and forth"?

While "pushing back and forth" is suitable for many contexts, a more formal alternative might be "engaging in reciprocal negotiations" or "exchanging opposing viewpoints".

What does "pushing back and forth" imply about the nature of the interaction?

"Pushing back and forth" suggests a dynamic, often contentious, interaction where each party is actively resisting or countering the other's actions or arguments.