step back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"step back and forth" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It means to move alternately in a forward and backward motion. Example: The conductor asked the dancers to step back and forth in time with the music.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Swiftly and nervously, as if obeying the beat of Jackie's memory, we step back and forth in time.

The New Yorker

His ability to step back and forth in time, leaving clues from old victims on new ones, would make him totally uncatchable, had Ms. Beukes not dreamed up a heroine with exceptional gifts of her own.

The New York Times - Books

My dreams of being a political reporter on the streets of the nation's capital were pulverized with every step back and forth to the Metro for my admin job.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Taub stepped back and forth and walked around him.

The New Yorker

Time and again, the new Todd Haynes film steps back and forth between the nineteen-twenties and 1977.

The New Yorker

She wants an answer, but she also wants to practice ballet dancing, so she takes many quick tiny steps back and forth, back and forth, like a "Nutcracker" snowflake in toe shoes.

The New Yorker

Once inside the kraal, a circular palisade of intertwined timber, the men continued the chanting and dancing, taking slow steps back and forth, shaking their clubs toward the ground.

The New York Times

In class, there is an emphasis on teaching through music and physical expression; in one lesson for six-year-olds the children recite times tables while touching parts of their body, or stepping back and forth over a skipping rope laid flat on the floor.

The Guardian

As she sings, Winger steps back and forth, wrenching her clenched fingers from the microphone and encouraging her to blues it up a bit.

Forbes

I learned to pace, seven steps back and forth, again and again.

Huffington Post

Everything steps back and forth, looks to the side, reflects constantly changing light and color, and beats with life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical action, use "step back and forth" to clearly indicate a repetitive, alternating movement, such as in dancing or pacing.

Common error

Avoid using "step back and forth" when describing abstract concepts like negotiations or debates, which often involve more complex interactions than simple forward and backward movement. Consider "iterate" or "negotiate" for such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step back and forth" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing a repetitive action. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct. Examples show its use in describing physical movements like dancing, pacing, or even time travel within narratives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "step back and forth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes a repetitive, alternating movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. Its register is generally neutral, and while it effectively communicates recurring motion, alternative phrases like "move to and fro" or "pace back and forth" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "step back and forth" primarily for describing physical actions, avoiding it in abstract contexts where more precise language may be needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walk back and forth

Specifies the mode of movement as walking.

move to and fro

Emphasizes a more rhythmic or repetitive movement.

pace back and forth

Implies a more anxious or restless movement.

shuttle back and forth

Suggests a regular or scheduled movement between two points.

oscillate between

Implies a more measured and regular swing between two states or positions.

alternate between

Focuses on the changing state rather than physical movement.

seesaw

A more figurative, shorter alternative, which suggests an alternation of power or sentiment.

yo-yo

Captures the idea of an upward and downward dynamic, rather than forward and back.

waver

Emphasizes indecision or instability rather than physical movement.

vacillate

Highlights the act of indecisively alternating between opinions or actions.

FAQs

What does "step back and forth" mean?

The phrase "step back and forth" describes a repetitive movement of taking a step backward and then a step forward, usually implying a limited range or a repeated action.

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

You might say, "The dancer had to "step back and forth" to maintain balance on the narrow beam" or "The security guard "paced back and forth" in front of the building".

What are some alternatives to "step back and forth"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "move to and fro", "walk back and forth", or "pace back and forth".

Is it ever incorrect to use "step back and forth"?

While grammatically correct, using "step back and forth" might be inappropriate if you're describing a more complex or nuanced interaction. In such cases, consider using alternatives that better capture the specific dynamic.