rushing back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

'rushing back and forth' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is moving quickly back and forth in a hurried or frantic manner. For example, "The children were rushing back and forth between their toys, excited to explore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

People keep rushing back and forth in front of her.

The New Yorker

So too did I die countless times from panicking in toxic sludge, rushing back and forth as my health ebbed away, before spotting the lift I kept zooming past.

The Guardian - Tech

During their brief conversation, the animated Ms. Youngblood keeps backing into an area in which a second black worker is rushing back and forth trying to do her job.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Israeli music alternated with reggae on the stereo system, creating a multilingual cacophony that didn't seem to faze any of the diners, who seemed more intent on capturing the attention of the single waitress rushing back and forth.

The New York Times - Food

Camilla Tilling, soprano, chose quietude and inner anguish as her stance, whereas Magdalena Kožená, a now golden-toned mezzo, was physically expressive, rushing back and forth and with the looks of a renaissance Mary Magdalene.

The Guardian - Music

Cahn recalls Mario rushing back and forth from the kitchen, returning each time with a surprise — another course, another bottle of wine, another grappa, and, finally, an accordion, which his father began playing, leading everyone in Italian drinking songs until three in the morning.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Delegates jabbered and rushed back and forth.

The Guardian

We would rush back and forth to the loo.

The Guardian

People rushed back and forth yelling, unsure whom to vent their anger on.

The New York Times

She rushed back and forth between the two banks of machines, breaking the news.

The New York Times

Lionel rushes back and forth between Brooklyn and a Zen Buddhist school in Manhattan, frantically trying to track down Minna's killers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rushing back and forth" to vividly depict situations involving hurried or frantic movement between two locations. For instance, you can describe a busy waiter "rushing back and forth" in a restaurant or a frantic parent "rushing back and forth" between their children's activities.

Common error

While "rushing back and forth" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, consider using more precise language in formal or academic writing. Overusing such phrases can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Instead, consider more descriptive verbs that capture the specific action and its purpose, depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rushing back and forth" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing a dynamic action. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts to illustrate movement, urgency, or activity. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rushing back and forth" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase to describe hurried movement between two points. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying urgency or high activity. While versatile, consider more precise language in formal writing. Synonyms like "darting to and fro" or "shuttling between" offer subtle variations in meaning. Use this phrase to vividly depict scenes of activity, but avoid overuse for maintaining sophistication in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurrying to and fro

Stresses the hurried nature of moving in different directions.

darting to and fro

Emphasizes quick, abrupt movements in different directions.

shuttling between

Highlights a regular, repetitive movement pattern connecting two places.

zipping back and forth

Implies a very fast, energetic movement between two points.

scurrying to and fro

Suggests small, quick steps taken in a flurry of activity.

ping-ponging between

Implies quick back and forth like a ping-pong ball.

traveling back and forth

Focuses on the act of traveling, without implying the same level of urgency.

oscillating between

Describes a movement between two extremes or states.

running hither and thither

A more archaic phrasing of "running around" that is used in historical contexts.

commuting between

Denotes routine travel, typically to and from work or home.

FAQs

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

You can use "rushing back and forth" to describe hurried movement between two points. For example, "The paramedics were "rushing back and forth" to assist the injured after the accident".

What does "rushing back and forth" imply?

"Rushing back and forth" typically implies a sense of urgency, high activity, or even chaos. It suggests that someone or something is moving quickly and repeatedly between two places, often due to a pressing need or task.

What are some synonyms for "rushing back and forth"?

Alternatives to "rushing back and forth" include "darting to and fro", "shuttling between", or "hurrying to and fro". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "rushing back and forth"?

Yes, it is correct. Ludwig AI confirms that "rushing back and forth" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It effectively describes the action of moving quickly between two locations.