waver between

USAGE SUMMARY

"waver between" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express uncertainty or indecision between two or more options. For example: "The jury seemed to waver between a guilty and not guilty verdict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I waver between dismay and bemusement.

The Guardian

Ms. Sasamoto may waver between disciplines, but she knows how to commit.

The New York Times - Arts

It allows them to waver between the metaphorical and the literal".

The New Yorker

His clothes, which are slightly hippie-organic, waver between hardness and softness, between the eminently practical and the surreal.

The New York Times

In it, human beings waver between their capacity for selfless love and their capacity for self-annihilation.

The New Yorker

Its songs waver between bad-boy rock star sensibility and power ballads worthy of Bon Jovi's heyday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Britain has wavered between Europe and America.

The New Yorker

They have wavered between shouting and pleading.

The Economist

Its language wavers between jargon and meaninglessness.

The Guardian - Opinion

For a time, he wavered between music and medicine.

The New York Times - Health

JAPAN has always wavered between being open and closed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waver between" to accurately convey a state of indecision or fluctuation between two distinct options or possibilities. Ensure the context clearly defines the choices being considered.

Common error

Avoid using "waver between" when more than two options are involved. The phrase specifically indicates a state of indecision between two distinct choices, not a general uncertainty among multiple possibilities. For multiple options, use alternatives like "fluctuate among" or "vary across."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waver between" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of indecision or fluctuation between two distinct options. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in expressing uncertainty or oscillation between choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

9%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waver between" effectively communicates indecision or fluctuation between two distinct options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, suggesting its versatility in reporting uncertain situations. Remember to use "waver between" only when two clear choices are present and to avoid it when describing uncertainty among multiple possibilities. Ludwig's examples showcase its proper usage across various contexts, reinforcing its value in precise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacillate between

Highlights the indecisiveness and hesitation between different choices, often due to a lack of conviction.

fluctuate between

Focuses on the oscillation or variation between different states or options, emphasizing change over time.

shift between

Focuses on the act of moving or changing from one option to another.

alternate between

Emphasizes a regular succession or interchange between two options, suggesting a cyclical pattern.

swing between

Suggests a broad, sweeping movement between two extremes or options.

oscillate between

Suggests a movement back and forth between two points, often used in a more technical or scientific context.

veer between

Highlights a sudden change in direction or opinion between two possibilities.

seesaw between

Implies an unstable movement between two possibilities, likening it to a seesaw.

teeter between

Emphasizes the precarious balance and potential instability while choosing between options.

yo-yo between

Implies a frequent and rapid shift back and forth, similar to a yo-yo's motion.

FAQs

How can I use "waver between" in a sentence?

Use "waver between" to show indecision or oscillation between two options. For example, "The committee seemed to "waver between" accepting the proposal and rejecting it outright".

What phrases are similar to "waver between"?

Similar phrases include "vacillate between", "fluctuate between", or "alternate between", all suggesting indecision or movement between two options.

Is it correct to say "waver among" instead of "waver between"?

While "waver between" is used for two options, "waver among" is more appropriate when describing uncertainty or fluctuation among more than two choices.

What's the difference between "waver between" and "hesitate between"?

"Waver between" implies a back-and-forth movement in thought or feeling, whereas "hesitate between" suggests a pause or reluctance before making a decision.