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to and fro

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌtuː ən ˈfroʊ/ · UK /ˌtuː ən ˈfrəʊ/

to and fro means: Repeatedly in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

adverb

BACK AND FORTHB2

Repeatedly in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

  • The boat rocked to and fro.
  • Branches swayed to and fro in the wind.
  • She watched the pendulum swing to and fro.

Similar words: back and forth, backwards and forwards

Common phrases: sway to and fro, swing to and fro

phrase

BETWEEN TWO PLACESB2

Moving repeatedly between two places.

  • She walked to and fro.
  • He carried boxes to and fro all morning.
  • The children ran to and fro between the tents.

How to use it: to and fro between places (He walked to and fro between the house and the gate.)

Similar words: back and forth, backwards and forwards

Common phrases: go to and fro, walk to and fro

Questions about to and fro

What does to and fro mean?

Repeatedly in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

What is to and fro in other languages?

Türkçe: ileri geri · Español: de un lado a otro · Français: d’avant en arrière · Deutsch: hin und her · Italiano: avanti e indietro · 日本語: 前後に

How do you pronounce to and fro?

In American English /ˌtuː ən ˈfroʊ/; in British English /ˌtuː ən ˈfrəʊ/.

How do you use to and fro in a sentence?

The boat rocked to and fro. Branches swayed to and fro in the wind.

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to and fro in other languages

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