tossing back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"tossing back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or action when two or more (usually physical) objects are being exchanged between two or more people. For example: "The children were having a wonderful time at the beach, tossing a Frisbee back and forth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Videos of groups of jihadis reciting poems or tossing back and forth the refrain of a song are as easy to find as videos of them blowing up enemy tanks.

The New Yorker

We had a great time, tossing back and forth ideas".

Los Angeles Times

If you're tossing back and forth, don't stay in bed.

Huffington Post

I started to tremble, like my body does now when I'm upset or stressed or cold, rhythmically tossing back and forth in between my mother's arms.

Vice

This administrative tossing back and forth has created a sense of abandonment among Gizab's residents, who complain of being ignored by the government in Kabul.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Flaming missiles were tossed back and forth, bright and yellow in the gathering dusk.

The New Yorker

There's a sense of ideas being tossed back and forth, interrogated, and tested for weakness.

The Guardian - Music

In this windblown settlement, people have watched Sakhalin tossed back and forth by tides of war.

The New York Times

There are a few nice touches, like a softball being tossed back and forth on a train packed with people.

The New York Times

I feel like I'm on the undulating surface of the rippling ocean being tossed back and forth between happiness, gratitude, melancholy, and grief".

Independent

First, they can easily form in the gaps between sliding rocks or between pebbles tossed back and forth by waves and tides.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tossing back and forth" to describe a dynamic exchange of ideas, objects, or even responsibilities between two or more parties. It conveys a sense of action and interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "tossing back and forth" to describe a one-sided action. This phrase implies a reciprocal exchange, so ensure the context involves movement or exchange in both directions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tossing back and forth" functions as an idiomatic expression to describe a reciprocal action or exchange. It frequently modifies verbs, adding a layer of interaction and movement to the action being described. As stated in Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

17%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tossing back and forth" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a reciprocal action or exchange. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news media and informal contexts, conveying a sense of back-and-forth movement or interaction. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. Be careful to use it for reciprocal actions only. Ensure that both subjects perform the action of "tossing". The phrase is very common and well-understood, making it a versatile choice for describing dynamic interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throwing back and forth

Replaces "tossing" with "throwing", emphasizing a more forceful action.

hurling back and forth

Substitutes "tossing" with "hurling", implying a more aggressive or rapid exchange.

passing to and fro

Uses more formal language than "tossing back and forth".

exchanging reciprocally

Replaces the idiomatic phrase with a more formal, descriptive term.

trading back and forth

Implies an exchange, often of goods or ideas, with the word "trading".

shuffling back and forth

Indicates a disorganized exchange.

bandying about

Implies a casual or careless discussion.

interchanging

Describes a basic reciprocal action.

reversing to and from

The term shows an action and reaction movement.

playing catch

Replaces the idiom with a more common and literal action between 2+ actors.

FAQs

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

You can use "tossing back and forth" to describe a reciprocal exchange or movement. For example, "They were "tossing back and forth" ideas during the meeting" or "The ball was "tossing back and forth" between the players".

What's the difference between "tossing back and forth" and "throwing back and forth"?

While both phrases describe a reciprocal exchange, "tossing" implies a gentler, less forceful action, while "throwing" suggests a more vigorous or rapid exchange. The choice depends on the context and the intensity of the action.

Is it correct to use "tossing back and forth" in formal writing?

Yes, "tossing back and forth" is acceptable in many formal contexts, especially when describing the exchange of ideas or information. However, in highly formal or technical writing, you might consider more precise alternatives like "exchanging reciprocally" or "passing to and fro".

What can I say instead of "tossing back and forth" to describe a discussion?

You could use phrases like "exchanging ideas", "discussing at length", or "debating vigorously", depending on the intensity and nature of the discussion.