shifted back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shifted back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a movement or change in position that alternates between two points or states. Example: "The pendulum shifted back and forth, creating a soothing rhythm in the quiet room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But Cameron has shifted back and forth.

The Guardian

But Mr. Romney's position has shifted back and forth.

The New York Times

The presidency has shifted back and forth before.

The New York Times

Her eyes shifted back and forth, like those of a cat in search of something.

The New Yorker

It begins with Mr. Richter, who has shifted back and forth between figuration and abstraction.

The New York Times - Arts

For the next four years, the balance of power shifted back and forth between Muḥammad ʿAlī and Saʿūd.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Forecast trends have been shifting back-and-forth but NOAA calls now appear pretty average.

Forbes

What Remains of Me shifts back-and-forth between 1980 and 2010.

HuffPost

You can shift back and forth".

The New York Times

The helpful remote control allowed easy shifting back and forth.

The New York Times

And again, you can shift back and forth in the model.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shifted back and forth" to vividly describe situations where there's an alternating change or movement between two distinct states, positions, or ideas, providing a sense of dynamic transition.

Common error

Avoid using "shifted back and forth" when describing a single, continuous action. This phrase is best suited for scenarios involving a clear alternation or reciprocal movement between two defined points or conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shifted back and forth" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of the predicate in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its usability, with numerous examples showing it describing alternating actions or states. It describes a dynamic process where something changes direction or state repeatedly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shifted back and forth" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe alternating movements or changes between two states or positions. Ludwig highlights that it is grammatically correct and very common, primarily appearing in news, encyclopedias and science-related contents. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a reciprocal or alternating action and avoid using it for single, continuous actions. Alternatives like "fluctuated between" or "alternated between" can offer nuanced meaning depending on the context. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fluctuated between

Implies a variation or oscillation between two or more things.

alternated between

Suggests a regular pattern of changing from one thing to another.

oscillated between

Describes a movement back and forth in a regular rhythm.

moved to and fro

Indicates a simple movement in opposite directions.

swung between

Suggests a movement resembling that of a pendulum.

varied between

Implies a change or difference between two or more things.

see-sawed between

Describes a situation where one thing rises as another falls, and vice versa.

yo-yoed between

Implies rapid and frequent changes, similar to the movement of a yo-yo.

ebbed and flowed

Suggests a rhythmic rise and fall, like the tide.

wavered between

Describes a hesitation or indecision between choices.

FAQs

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

Use "shifted back and forth" to describe something that moves or changes repeatedly between two positions or states. For example, "The debate "shifted back and forth" between economic and social issues".

What can I say instead of "shifted back and forth"?

You can use alternatives like "fluctuated between", "alternated between", or "oscillated between" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "shifted back and forth" or "shifted back and forward"?

"Shifted back and forth" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Shifted back and forward" is less idiomatic and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "alternated between" and "shifted back and forth"?

"Alternated between" often implies a regular, predictable sequence, while "shifted back and forth" suggests a less structured or more dynamic change. The best choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.