stride back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stride back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone walking with long, decisive steps in a repetitive manner, often indicating restlessness or deep thought. Example: "As he waited for the interview to start, he began to stride back and forth in the waiting area, trying to calm his nerves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They stride back and forth across the room, wriggling and kicking in step.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Thirty more minutes passed; my father strode back and forth by the tollbooths, looking for my mother.

The New Yorker

Taylor, in jeans and clogs, in spectacles and silver pompadour, strode back and forth as he talked.

The New York Times - Magazine

"What is the capital of Brazil?" she asked, striding back and forth in the front of the room.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I just like to be able to walk in my apartment," said Mr. Roberts, striding back and forth.

The New York Times

When his horses show up for turf races, Dickinson can often be seen between races, digging his heels into the course as he strides back and forth.

The New York Times - Sports

Penske has been seen at the Speedway, silently striding back and forth -- offering the single-minded stare that so many came to respect, if fear.

The New York Times - Sports

From time to time, the marchers were still singing ("Oh-h-h, Wallace, segregation's bound to fall"), and the chief of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, Assistant Attorney General John Doar, tall, tanned, and coatless, was striding back and forth along the line of march to see that all was going well.

The New Yorker

I often spend a seeming eternity racked by indecision, striding back and forth between the potato and sweet potato display (a slightly grand expression for a pile of root veg, maybe, but in itself presenting its own problem of choice); and the chilled cabinet where the ungenerous tubs of pre-grated cheddar and (presumably tinned) tuna are kept.

Independent

A woman in jeans and a pink hat and a man in khaki shorts strode back and forth in front of the crowd, each with a microphone in hand, bantering in Zulu and English with about 500 Emzinoni parents and children, leading them in games and discussions about AIDS.

The New York Times - Magazine

The performer strides back and forth, firing out questions and assertions about the violent deaths of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye; about being young and gullible ("young and dumb" in the words of the soul survivor, Ike Turner); about aging -- maturing -- as a process of "getting dirty".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stride back and forth" to vividly depict someone moving with long, purposeful steps, often indicating anxiety, contemplation, or authority.

Common error

Avoid using "stride back and forth" when a simple "walk back and forth" suffices. "Stride" implies a deliberate and often forceful gait, so ensure it fits the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stride back and forth" is that of a verb phrase, typically used to describe a manner of movement. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, as seen in several examples where it describes a deliberate and often agitated motion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stride back and forth" is a versatile verb phrase used to depict a purposeful, often restless manner of movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "pace back and forth" or "walk back and forth" exist, "stride back and forth" uniquely captures a sense of deliberate, sometimes agitated motion. When using this phrase, consider whether the context warrants the forceful implication of "stride" over a more general term like "walk" or "move".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pace to and fro

Emphasizes a more restless or anxious quality to the movement.

walk back and forth

A more general term, less forceful than "stride".

march back and forth

Suggests a more deliberate and rhythmic movement, often with a purpose.

move to and fro

A more formal or literary way of describing movement back and forth.

walk in opposite directions

Describes the action without specifying the manner.

go to and fro

An older, somewhat archaic expression for moving back and forth.

traverse back and forth

Implies covering a certain distance repeatedly.

shuttle back and forth

Suggests a regular, repeated movement between two points.

amble back and forth

Suggests a slow, leisurely pace.

promenade back and forth

Suggests a leisurely walk for pleasure or display.

FAQs

What does "stride back and forth" mean?

The phrase "stride back and forth" describes someone walking with long, decisive steps in one direction, turning, and then walking back in the opposite direction. It often suggests restlessness, anxiety, or deep thought.

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

You can use alternatives like "pace back and forth", "walk back and forth", or "move to and fro" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "stride back and forth"?

Yes, the phrase "stride back and forth" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English.

How does "stride back and forth" differ from "pace back and forth"?

"Stride back and forth" suggests a more purposeful and perhaps forceful movement, while "pace back and forth" often implies a more restless or anxious movement.