wave back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'wave back and forth' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of something swaying or moving back and forth in a repetitive manner. For example: The flags waved back and forth in the wind.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Over and over in this quartet, the upper strings wave back and forth between C sharp and D sharp, this minimal melody ever contradicted by a dissenting, low pizzicato D natural in the cello.

The New York Times - Arts

Conventional lasers use a pair of mirrors to bounce a light wave back and forth through a cavity containing a material or gas whose atoms are "pumped" into a higher energy state by an external light source.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then they just kind of float there, waving back and forth, like weeds".

The New Yorker

In the mountains there was snow, a dry dusting like sand that waved back and forth on the road surface.

The New Yorker

My suckers stuck to a rock underwater and my body waving back and forth overhead, like the weeds around me. Everything so quiet.

The New Yorker

And they stand around bothering the real humans, singing their awful songs, childishly demanding stories, with their huge blue penises hopefully "waving back and forth".

The Guardian - Books

Imagine a snowplough attached to a gantry, propelling a ribbon of waves back and forth, from gentle whitewater to head-high, Waikiki-style barrels.

The Guardian - Travel

She pulls out of the gas station so fast that the door closes on its own, trapping the end of her patterned skirt so that it waves back and forth as if bidding Ares goodbye.

The New Yorker

Back in the balcony a hundred 20p programmes are waving back and forth in a vain effort to cool the temperature, but what is causing the sweat here is something more than physical heat.

The Guardian - Music

They were all there, from Peter F. Vallone, the Democratic City Council speaker, who like Mr. Ferrer wore a white embroidered shirt called a guayabera, to the newest entry in the field, Michael R. Bloomberg, a Republican who carried a large Puerto Rican flag, which he waved back and forth.

The New York Times

"Werner was on set that day and when we watched the playback he was the one who pointed to the chair, which was still waving back and forth on its axis like someone shaking their head, and ever the poetic mind, he said [he gives it his best Werner]: 'The man says yesss, but the chair says noh, noh, noh.' That's Werner – he notices shit".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing repetitive motions, use "wave back and forth" to clearly convey the idea of movement in opposing directions. For example, "The pendulum waved back and forth, marking the passage of time."

Common error

Avoid using "wave back and forth" when a simpler verb like "oscillate" or "sway" is more concise and appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave back and forth" functions primarily as a verb phrase or an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe a specific type of motion. It indicates a repetitive movement in opposing directions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wave back and forth" is a versatile phrase used to describe a repetitive motion in opposite directions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "oscillate" or "sway" exist, "wave back and forth" provides a clear and easily understandable way to convey this specific type of movement. To ensure clarity and conciseness, avoid overuse and consider whether a simpler verb might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oscillate

Implies a regular and repeating movement between two points.

reciprocate

Suggests a mutual or corresponding action, implying a return movement.

sway

Describes a gentle, rhythmic movement from side to side.

fluctuate

Indicates irregular variations or changes between different levels or conditions.

alternate

Emphasizes the change between two things in a regular sequence.

seesaw

Suggests an up-and-down or back-and-forth motion, often in a playful or balanced manner.

yo-yo

Describes an movement that goes up and down with the same intensity and pace.

shuttle

Implies regular movement between two places, like a transportation service.

come and go

Emphasizes impermanence and cyclical presence.

ebb and flow

Used to express the fluctuation and flow like tides, of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "wave back and forth" to describe the motion of something moving repeatedly in opposite directions. For example, "The branches "waved back and forth" in the wind."

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

Alternatives include "oscillate", "sway", or "fluctuate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "wave back and forth"?

Yes, "wave back and forth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a specific type of motion.

What is the difference between "wave back and forth" and "shake back and forth"?

"Wave back and forth" typically implies a smoother, more fluid motion, while "shake back and forth" suggests a more rapid and possibly violent movement.