running back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"running back and forth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of someone moving quickly and repetitively over a short distance, especially when worried or anxious. For example, "The little girl was running back and forth on the playground, her eyes full of worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You're running back and forth and then standing very still.

The New York Times

It was running back and forth above his study.

The New York Times - Books

Cheering teammates were running back and forth across the room.

Princeton University

"You don't have time to be running back and forth, playing a game".

The New York Times

"I'm running back and forth to the sprinklers by the bathroom," he said.

The New York Times

"Two-three-four-march!" the lieutenant called, running back and forth.

The New York Times

So he's running back and forth along this track, back and forth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Their spirits are running back and forth," Mr. Troupe said with a chuckle.

The New York Times

This will eliminate running back and forth to the nearest home center for additional supplies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And then we hear footsteps, running, back-and-forth.

The New York Times

Just lookit 'em running back-and-forth, bouncing merrily along.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "running back and forth" to vividly describe someone's agitated or hurried movement between two points. For instance, "He was "running back and forth" in the waiting room, anxiously awaiting news."

Common error

Avoid using "running back and forth" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "shuttling", "pacing", or "commuting" to keep the text engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running back and forth" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, describing an action. It often modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a continuous or repeated movement between two points. Ludwig's examples show varied contexts, ranging from literal physical activity to metaphorical descriptions of activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running back and forth" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes repetitive movement between two points. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, its precise connotation can vary from literal physical action to metaphorical representations of activity. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pacing back and forth

Suggests a more measured and often anxious movement.

moving to and fro

A broader term indicating general movement in both directions.

darting back and forth

Implies quick, sudden movements between two points.

shuttling to and fro

Emphasizes a more formal or figurative movement between two places.

traveling back and forth

Focuses on the act of traveling between two points repeatedly.

commuting back and forth

Implies regular travel between two locations, often work and home.

going to and fro

A more archaic or literary way of expressing movement between two points.

alternating between

Highlights the act of switching repeatedly between two options or states.

zig-zagging

Describes a series of lateral movements, like running from side to side repeatedly.

oscillating between

Suggests a rhythmic or cyclical movement between two points.

FAQs

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

You can use "running back and forth" to describe repetitive movement between two points, like "The dog was running back and forth along the fence".

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

Alternatives include "shuttling to and fro", "pacing back and forth", or "moving to and fro", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, overusing "running back and forth" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using more varied language, such as "alternating" or "shuttling", to maintain reader engagement.

What's the difference between "running back and forth" and "moving to and fro"?

"Running back and forth" implies a quicker pace and is often associated with agitation or urgency, while "moving to and fro" is a more general and can encompass slower or more deliberate movement.