[Deleted]
why do you say "back and forth" but not the "forth and back"? I ain't understanding why people use "back and forth" but not "forth and back"? is it because it's easier to pronounce? who makes the rules?
Jan 19, 2017 8:59 AM
Answers · 7
This is a phrase that we use. So they just are what they are. See also "black and white" not "white and black". I'd also avoid "we're" in fact that is the first time I have ever seen it written. "We are" is clear.
January 19, 2017
January 23, 2017
Thanks, Paul. I was just trying to make my writing seem less dull.
January 19, 2017
Don't worry about the 'why', just accept the way it is. That's how collocations work. 'Forth and back' sounds very strange. 'Back and forth' sounds fine. Btw, what's with the 'ain't?' I know your English is of a decent enough level to know that this is a controversial word in English, people don't write it unless they're trying to imitate speech. Serious question, have you ever seen a native speaker, from any country, use it on this website? I would wager no. We just don't use it when we're writing normally, it sticks out a lot.
January 19, 2017
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!