a last resort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a last resort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is used only if all other options have been exhausted. For example: "We have tried all of the other possible solutions, so visiting a lawyer is a last resort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Freezing is a last resort.

The New York Times

Swiss astringents a last resort.

The New Yorker

Defaults are seen as a last resort.

The Economist

Tiens is almost always a last resort.

The Guardian

Brooklyn was a last resort back then.

The New York Times

But that should be a last resort.

The New York Times

Hospital admission is a last resort".

Independent

"But they should be a last resort".

The New York Times

Thompson says it's a "last resort".

The New York Times

Tracheostomy is a last resort.

Insights into Imaging

"Detention is used as a last resort.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a last resort" to clearly indicate that an action is only undertaken after exhausting all other possibilities, emphasizing its exceptional nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a last resort" when other viable solutions haven't been explored. It diminishes the weight and urgency the phrase is meant to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last resort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it identifies a final option or measure to be considered after all others have failed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

33%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last resort" is a common phrase used to describe an option pursued only after all others have been exhausted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, general writing, and academic discussions. While its register is generally neutral, careful consideration of alternative phrases, such as "final option" or "ultimate recourse", can enhance clarity and impact. When writing, reserve "a last resort" for situations where no other viable solutions exist, maintaining its intended weight and urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final option

Focuses on the sequence of actions, emphasizing that nothing else remains.

ultimate recourse

Highlights the act of seeking help or protection when everything else has failed.

final expedient

Suggests a means to an end, particularly when facing difficulties or emergencies.

last-ditch effort

Emphasizes the desperation and urgency of the attempt.

as a final measure

Indicates a step taken after all other possibilities have been exhausted.

when all else fails

Highlights the failure of other methods as a precondition.

fallback plan

Implies a prepared alternative for unfavorable situations.

emergency measure

Focuses on urgency, emphasizing that action is taken in a crisis situation.

last alternative

Indicates one from a set of final choices, often when previous ones are not viable.

the nuclear option

Suggests a drastic and potentially irreversible measure.

FAQs

How can I use "a last resort" in a sentence?

The phrase "a last resort" is used to describe something you do after trying everything else. For instance, "We've tried everything else; filing a lawsuit is "a last resort"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a last resort"?

You can use phrases like "final option", "ultimate recourse", or "last-ditch effort" as alternatives to "a last resort", depending on the context.

Is "last resort" one word or two?

"Last resort" is typically used as two separate words. You might see "last-resort" as a hyphenated adjective, as in "a last-resort measure".

What's the difference between "a final resort" and "a last resort"?

While both phrases are similar, "a last resort" is more common and emphasizes that all other options have been exhausted. "A final resort" simply indicates it's the concluding option, without necessarily implying prior failures.