walk back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

"walk back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's movements when they repeatedly move between two points, for example, pacing when they are deep in thought. "The frustrated student walked back and forth trying to figure out the answer to the math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I walk back and forth.... One, two, three, four, five.

The New York Times - Books

Peers was asked to walk back and forth.

Independent

The short, plump girl continued to walk back and forth.

The New Yorker

And I like to just walk back and forth.

Harvard Business Review

Players walk back and forth chatting before, after and even during the games.

The New York Times

It is almost certain that some people walk back and forth across the imaginary line.

The New York Times

They couldn't just walk back and forth between the beach and village.

The New York Times

And then I stand and I like to just walk back and forth.

Harvard Business Review

As I walk back and forth to school with my boys, we wind up collecting a lot of spectacular specimens.

The New York Times

You are to walk back and forth on the sidewalk in front of the consumer entrances to the grocery stores.

Cornell University

Sometimes, I will repeatedly walk back and forth as the fish keep dodging me so I can mess with them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "walk back and forth" to describe repetitive movement between two points, often indicating restlessness, contemplation, or a specific task.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "walk back and forth" can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using more descriptive verbs like 'pace' or 'stride' to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "walk back and forth" functions as a phrasal verb, describing a repetitive action of moving in opposite directions. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, confirming its widespread use in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "walk back and forth" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of repeatedly moving between two points. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalence in various contexts, particularly in news media, science, and general writing. While generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to avoid overuse and consider more descriptive alternatives like "pace" or "stride" for stylistic variety. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable and provides many examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walk to and fro

A slightly more formal synonym.

pace back and forth

Implies nervous or restless movement.

stride to and fro

Suggests a more deliberate and forceful manner of walking.

move back and forth

A more general term that doesn't necessarily imply walking.

stroll back and forth

Implies a casual and relaxed walk.

shuttle back and forth

Implies a frequent and regular movement between two points, often for a specific purpose.

go to and fro

An older, more formal way of saying "walk back and forth".

amble back and forth

Implies a leisurely and unhurried pace.

traverse back and forth

Suggests crossing an area repeatedly.

promenade back and forth

Suggests a more formal and elegant style of walking.

FAQs

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

You can use "walk back and forth" to describe someone moving repeatedly between two points. For example, "The guard had to "walk back and forth" along the perimeter of the building."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "pace back and forth", "stride to and fro", or "move back and forth".

Is it better to use "walk to and fro" instead of "walk back and forth"?

"Walk to and fro" is a valid alternative, but it sounds more formal and archaic than "walk back and forth", which is more commonly used in contemporary English.

Does "walk back and forth" always imply physical movement?

While it usually describes physical movement, ""walk back and forth"" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe indecision or vacillation, as in "He was walking back and forth on the decision".