sway back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "sway back and forth" to describe a motion that goes back and forth, or side to side. For example, "The trees gently swayed back and forth in the breeze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Up there, we could feel the wind causing the tower to sway back and forth, discomfitingly.

The New York Times

On particularly windy evenings like this, the tops of trees sway back and forth.

The New Yorker

Crossbars high above the floor sway back and forth with sailors perched atop them.

The New York Times - Arts

Whenever the gusts would get going, despite Robertson's shock absorbers, the towers would sway back and forth.

The New York Times - Magazine

The wild-haired ascetic clapped his hands to his cheeks and began to sway back and forth.

The New York Times - Travel

They would let the buildings sway back and forth in the wind, like the biggest, leafiest trees ever planted.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

He swayed back and forth slightly.

The New Yorker

"The building sways back and forth.

The New York Times

"One light bulb swaying back and forth.

The New Yorker

The bridge is swaying back and forth.

The New York Times

He swayed back and forth, slowly shaking out his legs.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sway back and forth" to vividly describe a gentle, rhythmic movement caused by an external force, such as wind or water. For example, "The kelp forest swayed back and forth with the ocean current."

Common error

Avoid using additional adverbs that repeat the idea of back-and-forth movement. For example, instead of "swaying repeatedly back and forth", simply use "swaying back and forth".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sway back and forth" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing a type of movement. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a motion that goes back and forth, or side to side, conveying a gentle, rhythmic action. Examples show its use to depict the movement of trees, buildings, and even people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

12%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sway back and forth" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a gentle, rhythmic movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for various contexts. Its frequency is classified as common, finding frequent use in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic circles. Alternatives such as "rock to and fro" or "oscillate" can be employed depending on the specific nuance desired. When using this phrase, avoid redundancy by omitting unnecessary adverbs. As shown in the analyzed examples from Ludwig, "sway back and forth" is a valuable tool for vividly depicting motion in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rock to and fro

Suggests a gentler, more rhythmic movement.

swing to and fro

Highlights a suspended or pendulum-like motion.

shift from side to side

Focuses on the lateral movement.

oscillate

Implies a more scientific or mechanical back-and-forth movement.

waver

Implies instability or hesitation in the back-and-forth motion.

move reciprocally

Emphasizes the mutual or alternating nature of the movement.

seesaw

Suggests the alternate rise and fall.

fluctuate

Highlights the irregular variation between two points.

undulate

Suggests a wave-like or flowing motion.

wiggle

Suggests a quick and short movement from side to side

FAQs

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

You can use "sway back and forth" to describe a gentle, rhythmic movement. For example: "The branches of the willow tree "swayed back and forth" in the breeze."

What's a good alternative to "sway back and forth"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "rock to and fro" or "oscillate" to express a similar idea.

Is it more correct to say "sway back and forth" or "sway to and fro"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Sway back and forth" is more common in contemporary usage, but "sway to and fro" is also acceptable.

What does it mean when someone "sways back and forth"?

It often indicates a state of unease, contemplation, or emotional distress. It could also simply describe a physical reaction to movement or rhythm.