rolling back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rolling back and forth" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing a movement or action that is repeating in a rhythm or pattern. For example, "I watched the waves rolling back and forth against the rocky shore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Her eyes began rolling back and forth uncontrollably, and a few days later she died.

The New York Times

"Her head was rolling back and forth and she was mumbling".

The New York Times

"They had to do this – " She mimes rolling back and forth through the sky.

The Guardian - Music

Resorting to the same analogy as Dr. Haroche, Dr. Wineland compared the electron to a marble rolling back and forth in a bowl.

The New York Times - Science

If I listened carefully I could hear the sound of footsteps on the floor above and of a chair rolling back and forth on its casters.

The New Yorker

She saw the stuck truck ahead, rolling back and forth, back and forth, making no headway, but she climbed aboard the B67 anyway.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I roll back and forth.

Independent

89 mins The Algerian goalie holds on to the ball for about 40 seconds, rolling it back and forth and eventually picking it up.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Welshofer and another officer reportedly slid a sleeping bag over General Mowhoush's head before rolling him back and forth while asking questions.

The New York Times

Taper ends by rolling loaf back and forth.

Los Angeles Times

Squeeze the overlapping ends together and then press the joined ends into the work surface, rolling them back and forth a few times until they are completely sealed.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rolling back and forth" to describe repetitive movements, especially when the motion is somewhat smooth or continuous. For more jerky or abrupt motions, consider alternatives like "shaking back and forth" or "jerking back and forth".

Common error

Avoid using "rolling back and forth" to describe something that is simply situated between two points without actual movement. Instead, use phrases like "extending from one side to the other" or "spanning the distance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rolling back and forth" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner of movement. As evidenced by Ludwig, it specifies how something is moving, emphasizing a repetitive, reciprocal motion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rolling back and forth" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe repetitive, reciprocal motion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It finds frequent use across news and media, as well as in wiki and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific type of movement being described, as alternatives like "rocking back and forth" or ""shuttling back and forth"" may be more appropriate in certain scenarios. Avoid using the phrase in static descriptions where no actual movement is occurring. Ultimately, the effective use of "rolling back and forth" hinges on accurately portraying the nature and rhythm of the action being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going back and forth

Replaces "rolling" with the simpler verb "going", maintaining the core meaning of movement in opposite directions.

moving to and fro

Replaces "rolling" with "moving" and uses the more formal "to and fro" instead of "back and forth."

rocking to and fro

Uses "rocking" to replace "rolling", implying a gentler, swaying motion.

oscillating back and forth

Substitutes "rolling" with "oscillating", implying a more regular and rhythmic movement.

swinging back and forth

Employs "swinging" to describe an arc-like motion from one point to another.

shuttling back and forth

Replaces "rolling" with "shuttling", suggesting a more rapid and repetitive movement between two points.

seesawing back and forth

Uses "seesawing" to describe a back-and-forth motion, typically associated with alternating or balanced movements.

reciprocating motion

Employs the term "reciprocating motion", a more technical and formal way to describe back-and-forth movement.

alternating movement

Focuses on the alternating nature of the movement rather than the specific direction.

moving in both directions

A simpler, more general way of describing movement in opposite directions.

FAQs

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

You can use "rolling back and forth" to describe a repetitive movement, such as "The waves were "rolling back and forth" on the shore" or "The child was "rolling back and forth" in bed because they had a stomachache".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "moving to and fro", "oscillating back and forth", or "shuttling back and forth".

Is it ever incorrect to use "rolling back and forth"?

While generally correct, using "rolling back and forth" might be inappropriate if the movement isn't actually a smooth or continuous roll. Consider alternatives like "sliding" or "shifting" if the motion is more linear or abrupt.

What's the difference between "rolling back and forth" and "rocking back and forth"?

"Rolling back and forth" typically implies a continuous circular motion, while "rocking back and forth" suggests a gentler, swaying motion, similar to a rocking chair.