skip back and forth between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skip back and forth between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of moving or alternating between two or more things, such as topics, locations, or tasks. Example: "During the meeting, I had to skip back and forth between the presentation slides and my notes to keep track of the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

To compare passages in a text, for instance, students often skip back and forth between them.

The Economist

Dislikes: Many of the chapters skip back and forth between present day and a few years ago.

The Guardian

Rather than just a straight period saga, we skip back and forth between the present day and the buildup to the second Schleswig war of 1864.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Playlists lets you build multiple playlists (instead of having one big queue), and skip back and forth between movies/shows without going back to browse.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. Bellocchio arranges these opening scenes out of joint — the timeline initially and somewhat confusingly skips back and forth between 1907 and 1914 — but most of what follows in "Vincere" is straightforward, painful, severe, tragic.

The New York Times

As the narrative skips back and forth between past and present, with London's debutante season as much a character as the 20-somethings at the balls, this ripping yarn deftly defines the 60s sea change in British society.

The Guardian - Books

The action skips back and forth between the present day, when Tony believes he's found a crucial piece of evidence, and eight years ago when his son Oliver went missing in the fictional French town of Chalon du Bois, and at certain moments the lack of subtitles forced any non-French speaker to share in the Hughes' panicked confusion.

Independent

But whereas most apocalypse novels push grimly forward into horror or dystopia, Station Eleven skips back and forth between the pre-flu world and Year Twenty after global collapse, when the worst is over and survivors have banded together into isolated settlements.

The Guardian - Books

Although broadly chronological, the narrative skips back and forth within and between chapters, and this section is no exception.

The Guardian

But over 10 or 15 minutes, as the ball skipped back and forth, Murray's form subtly changed.

The New York Times

Over the past decade, the responsibility for this has skipped back and forth from federal to state levels.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skip back and forth between", ensure that the items being alternated are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify, "skip back and forth between chapters" or "skip back and forth between locations."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "skip" within a single passage. Vary your language by using synonyms like "alternate", "switch", or "move" to enhance readability and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skip back and forth between" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of alternating between two or more things, whether they are time periods, ideas, or locations. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "skip back and forth between" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase to denote alternating between different elements, time periods, or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. For increased clarity and impact, vary your language by using alternatives such as ""alternate between"" or ""switch back and forth between"" and ensure the elements being alternated are clearly defined. Avoiding overuse and maintaining consistency will help improve your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternate between

This alternative provides a more concise and direct way to express the act of switching between two options.

switch back and forth between

The term switch provides a more active and deliberate sense of changing between options.

move back and forth between

This alternative emphasizes the physical or conceptual movement between different states or options.

shuttle back and forth between

The term shuttle indicates a frequent and regular movement between two points or ideas.

fluctuate between

This option suggests a less controlled and more variable movement between extremes or different conditions.

oscillate between

This is similar to fluctuate but conveys a more rhythmic or patterned change.

seesaw between

This suggests an alternating or wavering motion similar to a seesaw.

yo-yo between

Implies an up-and-down movement or change, similar to a yo-yo.

trade off between

Suggests a balancing act where one thing is given up in exchange for another.

dance back and forth between

Adds a playful or skillful element to the act of alternating between different things.

FAQs

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

You can use "skip back and forth between" to describe alternating between two or more things. For example, "The movie "skips back and forth between" the past and present."

What are some alternatives to "skip back and forth between"?

Some alternatives include "alternate between", "switch back and forth between", or "move back and forth between" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "skip back and forth between"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe the action of alternating or moving between different things, ideas, or time periods.

What is the difference between "skip back and forth between" and "alternate between"?

"Skip back and forth between" implies a more rapid or less structured change, while ""alternate between"" suggests a more regular and systematic change.