as a last effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a last effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a final attempt to achieve something after other efforts have failed. Example: "As a last effort, the team decided to implement a new strategy to save the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The working group's actions are viewed as a last effort for the government to hold banks and others responsible for misconduct in the mortgage business.

The New York Times

"If all is equal, and one lender as a last effort throws in the frequent-flier miles," he said, "that may well tip the balance to that lender offering the best deal".

The New York Times

At the time, the deal was seen as a last effort to save the faltering automaker, while preserving peace with the U.A.W. Now, with profits flowing again and the trust in need of cash, it has formally requested that Chrysler register for a public offering covering about 16 percent of the company's overall shares.

The New York Times

Olmert's shortcomings notwithstanding, he was carrying the mandate of his Kadima party to pursue peace -- a choice that should not be denied its grandeur or be pawned off as a last effort to distract public attention from his personal troubles.

Huffington Post

As a last effort, a new protocol was investigated which was published by Moussaoui et al. [ 14] and describes the use of serum separation tubes (Becton Dickinson).

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

It is reasonable to speculate that cancer vaccines have been applied as an option for compassionate administration as a last effort for patients who have failed conventional therapy.

Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Try the George Carlin technique as a last ditch effort.

WikiHow

As a last ditch effort to remain solvent, they're going to try to auction off the rights to Pleo, but there's no guarantee that the poor critter will ever be made again.

TechCrunch

As a "last ditch effort," he tried to live as a male but without medical intervention.

The New York Times

He was flown to Children's as a last ditch effort in a holding pattern counting the minutes for someone in the United States to find a match.

The New Yorker

"The answer is that the wrist bone evidence is not important in and of itself, but rather as a last ditch effort to save the supposed new species by finding some new "unique" feature".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a last effort" when you want to convey that other options have been exhausted and the current action is a final attempt to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "As a last effort, the company launched a new marketing campaign."

Common error

Avoid using "as a last effort" when other options are still available or the situation is not truly dire. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a last effort" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. Ludwig shows the phrase is used to indicate that an action is undertaken as a final attempt after all other options have been exhausted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a last effort" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase that signifies a final attempt after all other options have been exhausted. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts. While not exceptionally common, its usage is clear and appropriate for conveying a sense of urgency and finality. Related phrases include "as a final resort" and "as a last-ditch attempt". To use it effectively, avoid overuse and reserve it for situations where other options have truly been exhausted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As a final resort

Emphasizes the lack of remaining options more strongly.

As a last-ditch attempt

Highlights the desperation or urgency of the situation.

As a final measure

Implies a deliberate and considered action.

As an ultimate solution

Suggests this is the most extreme option available.

As a desperate measure

Highlights the high stakes and potential risks.

As a final play

Borrowing from sports vernacular to suggest a last move.

As a last throw of the dice

Emphasizes the element of chance or risk involved.

As the end game

Suggests the concluding stage of a plan.

As a conclusive action

Highlights that this action aims to bring something to a close.

In a final push

Implies a burst of energy to achieve a goal before running out of resources.

FAQs

How can I use "as a last effort" in a sentence?

You can use "as a last effort" to describe a final attempt to achieve something when other options have been exhausted. For example, "As a last effort, they tried negotiating with the client."

What are some alternatives to "as a last effort"?

Alternatives include "as a final attempt", "as a last resort", or "as a desperate measure" depending on the specific context.

Is "as a last effort" formal or informal?

"As a last effort" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "as a final recourse" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "as a last effort"?

It's appropriate to use "as a last effort" when you want to emphasize that all other possibilities have been tried and have failed, and the action you are describing is the final option available.