slide back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"slide back and forth" is a phrase used often in written English.
It is an idiom which means to move back and forth over a short distance or to move between two states or opinions. Example: He was sliding back and forth between staying in the old job and taking a new one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The trick is air walls, huge movable slabs that slide back and forth like pocket doors.

The New York Times

(The keyboard was positioned atop springs so that it could slide back and forth laterally, producing a kind of vibrato).

The New Yorker

A good office chair will have an adjustable seat pan that you can slide back and forth as well as adjustable back and height features.

The New York Times

Each layer takes 15-30 seconds to output.Objet's machines have print heads that slide back and forth depositing extremely thin layers of two types of liquid photopolymer.

The Economist

The icons flare into view, and he strokes the screen with his ruined hand, and the icons slide back and forth.

The New Yorker

These debates slide back and forth between economic and human costs — sometimes about the money, sometimes about the people who would be helped.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It slides back and forth.

The New York Times - Arts

Some sleuthing revealed it to be the shower curtain sliding back and forth on its rod.

The New Yorker

The rear seat slides back and forth 7 inches to maximize either cargo or passenger space.

The New York Times

The system used two valves, one sliding back and forth within the other.

The New York Times

Segments mysteriously slid back and forth, as in a video-game glitch.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slide back and forth" to describe a physical movement or a conceptual shift between two states. For physical movement, ensure the context clearly indicates the objects involved and the direction of the motion. For conceptual shifts, use it to convey vacillation between ideas or perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "slide back and forth" for complex, multifaceted changes that involve more than two distinct states or positions. Opt for more nuanced verbs that capture the complexity of the shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "slide back and forth" functions as a dynamic descriptor of movement or change. It vividly portrays an object or concept transitioning repeatedly between two points or states. Ludwig provides many examples showing its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slide back and forth" is a versatile phrasal verb suitable for describing both physical movement and conceptual shifts. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it appears across diverse sources, from news articles to encyclopedias, though it's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for a wide range of communication styles. When writing, consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the idea of recurring movement or change. As Ludwig AI highlighted, "slide back and forth" is a phrase used often in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move to and fro

Emphasizes repetitive movement between two points.

oscillate

Implies a regular, rhythmic movement like a pendulum.

reciprocate

Suggests a mutual or alternating action or movement.

shift between

Focuses on the change of state or position.

alternate between

Highlights the sequential nature of the movement or change.

seesaw

Describes an up-and-down or back-and-forth motion, often in a playful context.

yo-yo

Suggests a repetitive up-and-down or back-and-forth movement, often with an implication of instability.

shuttle

Implies a regular movement between two locations, often for a specific purpose.

waver

Indicates indecision or fluctuation between options or states.

fluctuate

Suggests irregular variations or changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "slide back and forth" to describe physical movement, such as "The door "can slide back and forth"", or to describe a conceptual shift, like "The debate "slid back and forth" between economic and human costs".

What's a more formal way to say "slide back and forth"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "oscillate between", "alternate between", or "reciprocate", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "slide back and forth" appropriate for describing emotions?

While you can use "slide back and forth" to describe shifting emotions, it might be more effective to use more descriptive alternatives like "waver between" or "fluctuate between" to capture the nuance of emotional changes.

What is the difference between "slide back and forth" and "slip back and forth"?

"Slide back and forth" suggests a controlled movement, while "slip back and forth" implies a lack of control or unintended movement. Choose the phrase that best reflects the nature of the motion.