surging back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surging back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a motion or action that moves repeatedly in one direction and then the opposite direction, often with a sense of energy or intensity. Example: "The waves were surging back and forth against the shore, creating a rhythmic sound that was both calming and powerful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A sepia-toned "scratch tape" of clinching partners surging back and forth in eroticized slow motion was assembled and approved.

The New York Times

Resonant electric circuits, in which an alternating current is surging back and forth, as in a radio or television receiver, are damped by electric resistance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

True to their nature, the gods gathered to dance, and in so doing, surging back and forth, they disturbed the insides of Tiamat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hence the result of a continuous sound wave is a surging back and forth of the fluids in the otic capsule and the pericapsular recess at the same frequency as that of the sound.

Encyclopedia Britannica

1938 Hankow Readies for Battle HANKOW — With heated battles surging back and forth on the arched front through the Yangtse Valley, east of here, Hankow itself today [Sept. 20] rushed work on fortifications within the city area.

The New York Times

Meanwhile not a kilowatt is derived from the massive energy surging back and forth across estuarial Britain, because the start-up costs are high and there is no lobby for the rental subsidies that have made British onshore wind the most expensive energy source on earth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Battle lines surged back and forth.

The Guardian

There was a sudden smell of axle grease, and the ticky-tacky cars surged back and forth.

The New York Times

Clarke recalls that at one point they had fourteen puppies in the house, which surged back and forth in waves between the rooms.

The New Yorker

THE crowd surges back and forth, hands above heads, mobile-phone cameras snapping one of Brazil's best-known samba bands.

The Economist

In AC, electrons flow back and forth between generators and appliances in a precisely synchronized manner — imagine a set of interlocking canals where water continually surges back and forth but the water level at any given point stays constant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surging back and forth" to vividly depict situations involving powerful, repetitive motion or intense oscillation, such as describing crowd movements, natural phenomena, or emotional states.

Common error

Avoid using "surging back and forth" when describing situations that lack dynamic movement or repetitive oscillation. Opt for simpler, more appropriate descriptors for stationary or unchanging scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surging back and forth" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe dynamic movement. It emphasizes repetitive motion or oscillation. Ludwig AI shows examples across various contexts, supporting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surging back and forth" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase to describe dynamic movement or oscillation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides examples across diverse contexts. While it is considered neutral in register, its usage effectively conveys intense, repetitive motion, making it suitable for depicting crowds, battles, or even abstract concepts. When using the phrase, remember to avoid static contexts and consider alternatives like "oscillating to and fro" or "fluctuating between extremes" for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oscillating to and fro

Emphasizes a regular, rhythmic movement between two points, similar to oscillation.

fluctuating between extremes

Highlights the variation between high and low points or opposing states.

alternating in movement

Focuses on the changing nature of the movement, going from one state to another.

ebbing and flowing

Describes a back and forth movement similar to tides.

undulating rhythmically

Suggests a wave-like motion with a regular pattern.

receding and advancing

Describes movement that involves both moving away and coming forward.

moving reciprocally

Simple way to describe a movement happening in both directions.

waxing and waning

Implies a cyclical increase and decrease in intensity or presence.

shifting reciprocally

Highlights the mutual and alternating nature of the shift.

seesawing

Emphasizes a balanced, alternating movement, like that of a seesaw.

FAQs

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

You can use "surging back and forth" to describe the movement of crowds, the intensity of battles, or the oscillation of currents. For example, "The crowd was surging back and forth near the stage" or "The battle lines were surging back and forth across the field".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "oscillating to and fro", "fluctuating between extremes", or "receding and advancing".

Is "surging back and forth" a formal or informal expression?

"Surging back and forth" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its impact depends on the overall tone and style of your writing. More formal settings might prefer "fluctuating" or "oscillating" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Can "surging back and forth" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "surging back and forth" can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts such as emotions, ideas, or debates that are characterized by intense and repetitive oscillation. For example, "The debate was surging back and forth with arguments from both sides".