written back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "written back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where messages or correspondence are exchanged between two or more parties repeatedly. Example: "We have been communicating written back and forth to finalize the details of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I don't know how many letters we've written back and forth — dozens.

The New York Times - Magazine

The tumult of their union comes to a head on "Talk Show," a smartly written back and forth that sees the lovers opening up about their relationship on a late night show.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We wrote back and forth a few times," she said.

The New Yorker

"Charlie and I wrote back and forth a lot as he traveled abroad," Dr. Dean recalled.

The New York Times

Before long they were writing back and forth about Our Hill as the perfect setting for a cottage.

The New York Times - Travel

Last year, Vassar wanted to invite Denis to give a prestigious English-department lecture, and he and I wrote back and forth.

The New Yorker

Ms. Fiterman said she supplied Ms. Frank with answers to some of his questions, like what kind of music she liked, and "they wrote back and forth for about a week".

The New York Times

"You can see a person get hit, then you can go through three years of writing back and forth and nothing happens, so why even report it?" Mr. Borer said.

The New York Times

We wrote back and forth a few times after that.

TechCrunch

Simpson-Haidaris is familiar with deaf culture and sign language, and the two also employ text messages and writing back and forth to communicate on a daily basis.

Science Magazine

She was comfortable lip-reading and writing back and forth to communicate, but at weekly group meetings, she struggled to follow conversations and eventually relied on a summary from her boss in lieu of attending.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "written back and forth", ensure that the context clearly indicates a reciprocal exchange of written communication between two or more parties. It's most effective when emphasizing the iterative nature of the exchange.

Common error

Avoid using "written back and forth" when describing a one-way delivery of information. This phrase implies a dialogue or exchange, not just a single message being sent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "written back and forth" functions as a participial phrase, often acting as an adjective to describe a method of communication. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "written back and forth" is a grammatically sound and commonly used participial phrase that describes a reciprocal exchange of written messages. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates a two-way communication. More formal alternatives, such as "exchanged correspondence", may be preferable in academic or professional settings. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its neutral and accessible tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exchanged correspondence

Formal alternative focusing on the exchange of written communication.

communicated in writing

Broader term that encompasses all forms of written communication.

corresponded regularly

Highlights the act of regular communication through written means.

maintained a written dialogue

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the written exchange as a dialogue.

kept up a correspondence

Focuses on maintaining a consistent exchange of written communication.

traded letters

Specifically refers to the exchange of physical letters.

shared written messages

A simple way to describe the act of exchanging written messages.

had a letter exchange

Focuses on the exchange of letters between individuals.

engaged in written discourse

A formal and academic way to express a written discussion.

had a pen pal relationship

Describes the relationship established by writing letters to each other.

FAQs

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

You can say, "They "wrote back and forth" for weeks before finally meeting in person" or "The script was "written back and forth" between the two authors".

What is a more formal alternative to "written back and forth"?

Alternatives include "exchanged correspondence" or "engaged in a written dialogue". These options are suitable for formal or professional contexts.

Is it always necessary to specify the medium when using "written back and forth"?

While "written back and forth" implies a written medium, specifying it (e.g., "wrote letters back and forth") can provide clarity, especially if other communication methods are involved.

What's the difference between "writing back and forth" and simply "communicating"?

"Writing back and forth" emphasizes the use of written communication, while "communicating" is a broader term that includes verbal and non-verbal methods. Choose the former when you specifically want to highlight the written aspect of the exchange.