as a first recourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a first recourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the initial option or action taken in response to a situation or problem. Example: "In cases of emergency, calling for help should be considered as a first recourse before attempting any other measures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The government - and 10 Downing Street in particular - seems to lie as a first recourse whenever it is presented with an unforeseen problem.

The Guardian

Antidepressants are not only expensive; according to the clinical standards watchdog National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), they are for many people no more helpful than a placebo, and should not be used as a first recourse for mild to moderate depression.

The Guardian

But if he was smart and concerned primarily with domestic spying by the US government, certainly he had better options than to make the revelations public as a first recourse.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For 76% of children, treatment began in the home, but 80% were treated outside the home as a second recourse.

BMC Public Health

Airlines are required to post a notice at check-in detailing passengers' rights and are a first recourse for complaints.

The New York Times - Travel

His first recourse, as you'd expect, would have included forceps.

The New Yorker

As always when irresponsible power outruns reasonable regulation, the first recourse of reformers is disclosure.

HuffPost

This is not Abel's first recourse to the courts.

The Guardian

The first recourse is often traditional treatment.

BioMed Research International

Seldom is recourse made by health professionals to driving assessment as a first alternative as it requires a fee and such centres are not readily available everywhere.

European Transport Research Review

Among all of the discussions on environmental management, the "environment-as-a-recourse" view is the most commonly accepted.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a first recourse", ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of an initial or primary action taken in response to a situation. Avoid using it when describing a secondary or less preferred option.

Common error

Avoid using "as a first recourse" when describing actions that are actually last resorts or less desirable options. This can confuse the reader and misrepresent the true order of priority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first recourse" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the initial action or strategy employed in a given situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it specifies the prioritized approach. The phrase is mostly found in news and scientific contents.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a first recourse" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate an initial action or step taken to address a situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and scientific contexts. While relatively rare, the phrase is best used to clearly communicate the prioritized approach in a given scenario, ensuring that the intended initial action is well-understood. Be mindful not to confuse it with actions of last resort. Alternatives such as "as a primary option" or "as an initial step" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a primary option

Emphasizes the prioritization of an action.

as an initial step

Highlights the beginning stage of a process.

as a starting point

Focuses on the commencement of an action or plan.

as a first measure

Indicates a preliminary action taken to address a situation.

initially

A single-word adverb conveying the concept of something done at the beginning.

as the go-to solution

Suggests the most obvious or readily available choice.

as the default action

Implies that something is the standard or automatic response.

primarily

A single-word adverb stressing the main or most important action.

as a preliminary recourse

Emphasizes the action is a preparation for further steps.

at the outset

Highlights the initial phase or beginning of a process.

FAQs

How can I use "as a first recourse" in a sentence?

Use "as a first recourse" to indicate the initial action taken when addressing a problem. For example, "Calling for help should be considered "as a first recourse" in emergencies".

What are some alternatives to "as a first recourse"?

You can use phrases like "as a primary option", "as an initial step", or "as a starting point" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "as a first recourse" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a first recourse" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and precisely indicates the order of actions. It is commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts.

What's the difference between "as a first recourse" and "as a last resort"?

"As a first recourse" refers to the initial action taken, while "as a last resort" implies an action taken only when all other options have failed. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of prioritizing actions.