swing back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swing back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a motion that alternates between two points or states. Example: "The pendulum began to swing back and forth, marking the passage of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Swing lady's date masturbated enthusiastically as he watched his partner swing back and forth between anal and vaginal penetration under the dim red lights of the soft room.

Vice

Results did not swing back and forth.

The Guardian - Sport

(Sixteen others swing back and forth as the wheel spins).

The New York Times

A leap lands in a runner's lunge as the arms swing back and forth.

The New York Times - Arts

Of course, the lead might swing back and forth as recounting recommences next week.

The Economist

In a macrorealistic theory, the child continues to swing back and forth, undisturbed.

The New York Times - Science

"It was clear to me that things would swing back and forth," she said.

The New York Times

"I swing back and forth," Clay Tarver, one of the show's writers and producers, told me.

The New Yorker

There is a mysterious cycle in human events, but it doesn't swing back and forth like a pendulum.

The New Yorker

I swing back and forth in my opinion and probably so does a huge swath of the public.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet the byplay between Anu and the dead student's mother is bolstered by Shabana Azmi's commanding presence in the latter role; your sympathies do swing back-and-forth.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing literal movement, use "swing back and forth" to vividly depict the motion's arc and rhythm. For example, "The pendulum continued to "swing back and forth", marking the passage of time."

Common error

While "swing back and forth" is effective for literal movement, avoid overuse in abstract contexts where more precise terms like "fluctuate" or "vacillate" might better convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of "The negotiations swung back and forth", consider "The negotiations fluctuated between progress and stalemate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swing back and forth" functions as a phrasal verb that often describes physical motion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to depict a movement that alternates between two points. It can also describe a situation in which opinions or decisions change repeatedly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swing back and forth" is a commonly used phrasal verb that effectively conveys the idea of repetitive or alternating movement or change. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wiki sources, its neutral register makes it a versatile choice for both formal and informal writing. While useful for illustrating physical motion, be mindful of overusing it in abstract contexts where more precise terms might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seesaw back and forth

Implies reciprocal or alternating movement between two states or conditions, intensifying the sense of alternating actions.

move to and fro

A more formal way of describing the act of moving repeatedly backwards and forwards.

oscillate

This term denotes a regular variation in magnitude or position around a central point, focusing on the rhythmic aspect of movement.

fluctuate

Suggests irregular variations or changes, implying less predictability than "swing back and forth".

waver

Implies hesitation or indecision, moving between options metaphorically like a physical back and forth motion.

seesaw

Specifically refers to alternating up-and-down movements, similar to a playground seesaw.

rock back and forth

Specifically refers to a gentle, rhythmic movement from front to back, as on a rocking chair.

yo-yo

Captures the quick up-and-down motion, but implies abrupt changes, referencing a children's toy that moves rapidly from up to down and repeats.

vacillate

Focuses on the mental aspect of indecision, going back and forth between different opinions or courses of action.

teeter-totter

Similiar to seesaw, it emphasizes the alternating up and down movement or position on an unstable base.

FAQs

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

You can use "swing back and forth" to describe a physical movement, like "The gate continued to "swing back and forth" in the wind", or to describe a situation that changes repeatedly, as in "My opinion of him tends to "swing back and forth" depending on his actions".

What does it mean to "swing back and forth"?

To "swing back and forth" means to move repeatedly from one position or opinion to another, or to alternate between two states or conditions.

What are some alternatives to saying "swing back and forth"?

You can use alternatives like "oscillate", "fluctuate", or "vacillate" depending on the context. If you want to express physical motion, consider "rock back and forth".

Is there a difference between "swing back and forth" and "seesaw"?

"Seesaw" typically refers to an alternating up-and-down movement, specifically like that of a playground seesaw. "Swing back and forth" is a broader term that can describe any kind of reciprocal movement or oscillation but "seesaw back and forth" can be interchangeable with swing back and forth with the specific nuance of the seesaw.