Back and Forth & Forth and Back again

BUSINESS ENGLISH FOR BUSY GERMANS – Tip of the Week

This week, let’s dive into the amusing expression “back and forth” and the confusion it causes due to its backward logic. Its meaning is to move first in one direction and then in the opposite one. The problem is that its starting point is not that of its origin.

Some people argue that “forth and back” makes more sense because it is more logical to start moving ‘forth’ and finish moving ‘back’. In other words, how can I move back to where I have not come from?

Why Don’t We Say “Forth and Back”?

The phrase “back and forth” is a form of Anglicism that has been around for approximately 400 years. It doesn’t make much sense logically, but there are over 10,000 examples of “back and forth” in the Corpus of Contemporary American English, compared to only three examples of “forth and back.”

The crux of the matter is, “back and forth” is an idiomatic expression. And in English, idiomatic expressions do not have to make sense. They simply exist for our sophisticated pleasure in using them.

Usage as Adverb, Adjective, and Noun

This idiom can be used as an adverb, adjective, or noun.

Examples:

  • Adverb: “I had to go back and forth to the office all day.” This means you repeatedly traveled between two points, which in this case are likely your home and office.
  • Adjective: “The back-and-forth rocking of the ship made me sick to my stomach.” Here, the phrase describes a continuous and repetitive motion that caused discomfort.
  • Noun: “There was an intense back and forth between the negotiators.” This usage refers to a lively exchange or discussion, often involving differing opinions.

Meaning and Translation

As an adverb and adjective, it means to repeatedly move forwards and backwards, side to side, or to and fro in space or time. As a noun, it refers to a generally unresolved argument or discussion.

This phrase translates to German as “hin und her,” which is more logical due to starting in the right direction. In German, when using the phrase as a noun, you capitalize it: “Hin und Her.”

The Logic Behind the Illogical

Despite the logical oddity, “back and forth” has remained a staple in English due to its idiomatic nature. Idioms often reflect cultural nuances and historical usages rather than strict logical structures. The English language is full of such expressions that may baffle non-native speakers but are cherished for their unique character.

Synonyms to Expand Your Vocabulary

Here are some synonymous English phrases of similar meaning:

  • To and fro: This phrase carries the same meaning and is equally idiomatic. For example, “The pendulum swung to and fro.”
  • Alternating: This word is more formal and used in contexts requiring technical precision. For instance, “The lights were alternating between red and green.”
  • From side to side: Another phrase indicating movement in multiple directions. “The fan oscillated from side to side.”
  • Backward(s) and forward(s): Although this also defies logic, it’s used similarly. “She paced backward and forward, deep in thought.”

Cultural Nuances and Language Learning

Understanding idiomatic expressions is a crucial part of mastering any language. They offer insight into the culture and history of the language and are often used in everyday conversations, literature, and media. For German speakers learning English, grasping these idioms can significantly enhance comprehension and fluency.

Practical Tips for Using “Back and Forth”

  1. Practice in Context: Use the phrase in sentences related to your daily life. For example, “I go back and forth between meetings all day.”
  2. Listen and Learn: Pay attention to how native speakers use this and other idioms in conversation, movies, and TV shows.
  3. Use It in Writing: Incorporate the phrase in emails or reports where appropriate. For example, “There was considerable back and forth in the email exchange regarding the project details.”

Conclusion

English idiomatic expressions are confusing, but they sure are fun to use! This week, we discussed the phrase “back and forth,” which doesn’t make much sense logically but has been around for over 400 years due to its sheer awesomeness.

Go ahead and baffle your German friends and colleagues with this nonsensical expression and watch their heads spin (in a good way).


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