sending messages back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"sending messages back and forth" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to the exchange of communications between two or more people. For example, "The two old friends enjoyed sending messages back and forth, catching up on all the news since they last talked".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Within an hour," she wrote, "we were sending messages back and forth".

The New York Times

She sent him a friend request on Facebook, and they began to write to each other, sending messages back and forth for hours at a time.

The New York Times

When I was at university, my flatmate got me hooked on going to the "computer room" of an evening and sending messages back and forth with some people that I somehow got connected with.

The Guardian - Tech

"When does the date start, or does it start when they are sending messages back and forth?" Mr. Campbell describes text messaging as the equivalent of passing notes in class, though they are more fragmentary and more frequent.

The New York Times

And he has been using computers for 15 years -- he was part of a proprietary network of dealers who were sending messages back and forth in the very early days of the Internet.

The New York Times

The trip from the elephant's skin to the brain and back again to the muscles to flick the tail is 100 times as long as the same trip in a shrew, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The nervous system acts like an information superhighway, sending messages back and forth from the brain throughout the body.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

You can send messages back-and-forth, which are overlaid on the maps as bubbles so you don't have to switch windows.

TechCrunch

Analysts say Apple is trying to duplicate the success of services like BlackBerry Messenger, or BBM, a free application for BlackBerry smartphone owners that lets them send messages back and forth as in an instant-messaging conversation.

The New York Times - Tech

This is the great genius and curse of email, that all you can do is send messages back and forth.

TechCrunch

The service acts as a Twitter for businesses, letting employees send messages back and forth to subscribers.

TechCrunch

The dispute motivated computer scientists to explore the question electronically, using so-called neural networks, computer programs in which layers of virtual neurons send messages back and forth.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "sending messages back and forth" when you want to emphasize the iterative and reciprocal nature of communication, especially in digital contexts such as texting or instant messaging.

Common error

Avoid using "sending messages back and forth" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "exchanging messages" or "communicating reciprocally" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sending messages back and forth" functions as a verbal phrase, describing an ongoing action of communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sending messages back and forth" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes a reciprocal exchange of communications. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, denoting a neutral register. While versatile, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "exchanging messages". This guide provides insights into best practices, common errors, and related phrases to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exchanging messages

Focuses on the exchange itself rather than the iterative nature.

trading messages

Highlights the reciprocal act of giving and receiving messages.

communicating reciprocally

Highlights the mutual aspect of the communication.

passing messages back and forth

Focuses on physical act of transporting messages.

interchanging communication

Stresses the mutual exchange of information.

corresponding with each other

Emphasizes a more formal or written communication.

shuttling messages between

Emphasizes the rapid and repeated nature of the message transfer.

having a dialogue

Suggests a more in-depth and meaningful exchange.

relaying messages

Highlights the transmission aspect, often involving a third party.

engaging in conversation

Focuses on a spoken or informal exchange.

FAQs

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

You can say, "The team members were "sending messages back and forth" to coordinate the project" or "The friends enjoyed "sending messages back and forth" to catch up on each other's lives".

What are some alternatives to "sending messages back and forth"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "exchanging messages", "communicating reciprocally", or "corresponding with each other".

Is "sending messages back and forth" formal or informal?

"Sending messages back and forth" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "interchanging communication".

What's the difference between "sending messages back and forth" and "having a conversation"?

"Sending messages back and forth" specifically refers to the act of exchanging written communications, whereas "having a conversation" implies a more general exchange of thoughts and ideas, which can be either spoken or written.