transfer back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "transfer back and forth" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to move something repeatedly between two places or people. Example: The mother and father took turns transferring the sleeping baby back and forth between their arms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The negotiations are complicated by the fact that G.M. and Delphi have an interlocking relationship that includes permitting workers to transfer back and forth between them.

The New York Times

Acts easily transfer back and forth, and a spiritual overlay -- an implication that the pageant hints at a quest of the spirit -- is certainly common to both.

The New York Times - Arts

Messages can now seamlessly transfer back and forth between IM and email, something no other web mail application does.

TechCrunch

If you're married, there's no limit on the amount of money or property you can transfer back and forth between spouses.

Forbes

The little phone-next-to-car icon is used during a call to transfer back and forth between your handset and the speaker.

TechCrunch

The genes for photosynthesis in these species show evidence of repeated transfer back and forth between the cyanobacterial genome and the genomes of the viruses with which they coevolve (Lindell et al. 2004, 2007).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Personal uses a 256-bit SSL encryption and HTTPS to ensure that there is no eavesdropping whenever data is transferred back-and-forth from your computer to Personal.

TechCrunch

In the vibrating mechanical system, energy is transferred back and forth between kinetic energy in the mass and potential energy stored in the springs.

Intuitive Analog Circuit Design A Problem-Solving Approach using Design Case Studies

Detainees moved to juvenile facilities at Hakea prison have faced excessive rolling lock downs and strip searches as some were transferred back and forth between the two facilities.

The Guardian

One microparcel, Mr. Najafi noted, had simply been transferred back and forth many times between the members of a family named Cohen.

The New York Times

This trust-corporation configuration allows assets to be transferred back and forth in what Forbes once characterised as a "shell game extraordinaire".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process where items or information are being moved between two entities, use "transfer back and forth" to clearly indicate the reciprocal nature of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "transfer back and forth" when a simpler verb like "move" or "pass" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "transfer back and forth" functions as a verb phrase that describes a reciprocal action of moving something between two entities or locations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "transfer back and forth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a reciprocal exchange or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While "transfer" alone suggests movement, adding "back and forth" highlights the two-way nature of the action. Be mindful of overusing the phrase when simpler alternatives like "exchange reciprocally" or "move to and fro" might be more suitable. Remember to use "transfer back and forth" to emphasize the ongoing exchange between two entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move to and fro

Focuses on physical movement between two points.

shuttle between

Implies a regular and frequent movement between two places or entities.

exchange reciprocally

Highlights the mutual nature of the exchange.

trade intermittently

Suggests irregular exchanges or transactions.

oscillate between

Emphasizes a fluctuation or wavering between two states or conditions.

alternate repeatedly

Implies a sequence of switching back and forth.

circulate continuously

Suggests an ongoing movement in a loop.

relocate periodically

Highlights scheduled or timed shifts of location.

interchange regularly

Focuses on routine or systematic exchange.

shift intermittently

Suggests sporadic or occasional movement or changes.

FAQs

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

Use "transfer back and forth" to describe a reciprocal exchange or movement between two points. For example, "Data can "transfer back and forth" between the computer and the external drive".

What is a synonym for "transfer back and forth"?

Alternatives include "exchange reciprocally", "move to and fro", or "shuttle between", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "transfer back and forth"?

While "transfer" alone can imply movement, adding "back and forth" emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the action, clarifying that the transfer is happening in both directions.

What's the difference between "transfer back and forth" and "transmit"?

"Transmit" generally refers to sending something from one place to another, while "transfer back and forth" indicates a two-way exchange or movement between two points.