back and forward vs back and fro

Both "back and forward" and "back and fro" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "Back and forward" is the more common and standard phrase used to describe movement or actions that go in both directions. On the other hand, "back and fro" is less common and may be considered informal or dialectal, but it can still be used to convey a similar meaning.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1547 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe movement or actions that go in both directions.

"back and forward"

This phrase is used to indicate a back-and-forth movement or action, such as a pendulum swinging back and forth.

Examples:

The argument went back and forward before a decision was reached.
The shuttle bus travels back and forward between the airport and the hotel.
She paced back and forward in the room, lost in thought.
The negotiations moved back and forward as both parties tried to reach a compromise.
The children took turns pushing the swing back and forward.

Show examples from the web [+]

And here I've taken away the robots, but basically people move with their right arm sinusoidally back and forward.
And in effect, what we have is some sort of stick in one hand attached to a robot, and they're going to move that back and forward.
The Back and Forward buttons in the toolbar.
The Back and Forward buttons in the toolbar can be used to navigate in the history.
And so they take it in turns to apply the force they've just experienced back and forward.
I'm sitting in this rocking chair, and I'm rocking back and forward.
Disable all historical information by disabling back and forward navigation, not allowing the history dialog and hiding the most used bookmarks list.
What is the back and forward them?

Alternatives:

back and forth
to and fro
back and forth
to and fro
back and forth

This phrase is correct but less common than "back and forward." It may be considered informal or dialectal.

"back and fro"

This phrase can also be used to indicate a back-and-forth movement or action, similar to "back and forward."

Examples:

He paced back and fro in the room, waiting for the phone call.
The boat rocked back and fro on the waves.
The argument went back and fro without reaching a conclusion.
The pendulum swung back and fro with a rhythmic motion.
The children played catch, throwing the ball back and fro.

Show examples from the web [+]

I used street urchins to bring my correspondence to and fro.
You know, the usual to-and-fro.
Sway the hips to and fro...
Downstairs my mum was walking to and fro... ...smoking a cigar.
You go to and fro endlessly.
Besides the fantasy of little Martys running to and fro.
He walked to and fro on the stage.
He walked to and fro on the stage.
I'm sorry for all the to and fro today.
With infinite complacency, men went to and fro about the globe, confident of our empire over this world.
Beleaguered gnomes hurry to and fro with glasses of mead for the thirsty elves.
And to and fro the ribbons go.
We're not marionettes, getting up at the same time and dancing to and fro.
You have been to and fro in the world.
Yes, it swung to and fro.
I've been going to and fro along the Arno all night long.
These people are thus passed to and fro until they finally end up on Greek hands.
Madam President, this has been batted to and fro between the Commission and the Council ever since 2002: six years.
Downstairs my mum was walking to and fro... ...smoking a cigar.
We often find that a product's value is not immediately obvious when we have to convert to and fro.

Alternatives:

back and forth
to and fro
back and forth
to and fro
back and forth

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back and forward vs back and fro

"back and forward"

"back and fro"

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