by resorting to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by resorting to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the action of seeking help or turning to something as a solution to a problem or situation. For example, "The couple was able to resolve their conflicts by resorting to marriage counseling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ECB should loosen monetary policy still further, even by resorting to negative deposit rates.

The Economist

But by resorting to spin he let down more than "some brave military men and women".

The New Yorker

Other groups have survived by resorting to cannibalism or brutish dictatorship.

The Economist

Until then playwrights tried to evade the censor's veto by resorting to subterfuge and innuendo.

The Guardian

The letter begins by resorting to the timeless disguise of the advice-seeker.

The New York Times - Books

At seven she found it easiest to deal with complex feelings by resorting to distraction.

The Guardian - Books

Frequently, Green can say what she feels only by resorting to the language of infatuation.

The New York Times - Books

It means creating the illusion of thinness in your customer by resorting to number deflation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then, relevant features are extracted from the resulting wavelet subbands by resorting to appropriate statistical models.

Signal Processing: Image Communication

Inter- and intra-batch assay precisions were substantially improved by resorting to the GGNR manifold.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

This property is proved by resorting to a useful Schur complementation argument.

Systems & Control Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by resorting to", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action being resorted to is a solution or a way to overcome a challenge. This adds clarity and purpose to your writing.

Common error

While "by resorting to" is generally acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or lacking in nuance. Consider more precise verbs or phrases to vary your expression and enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by resorting to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a means or method employed, often implying that other options were either unavailable or undesirable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to describe seeking help or turning to something as a solution. Examples show its use in explaining how problems are solved or goals are achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

50%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by resorting to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a means or method employed, often when other options are limited or have failed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes seeking a solution or turning to something in response to a problem. It's prevalent in diverse contexts like News & Media and Science, yet its usage requires careful consideration to prevent overuse. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, alternatives such as "by turning to" or "by employing" can offer more nuance depending on the writing style. Remember to use "by resorting to" when you want to emphasize that a specific action was a way to overcome a challenge. In conclusion, "by resorting to" is a valid phrase, with over 60 examples across various sources, and correct usage depends on the context and the writer's intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by turning to

Implies a shift in focus or method, often for assistance or support. Meaning is very close.

by employing

Suggests a more deliberate and strategic use of a particular method.

by utilizing

Similar to 'employing', emphasizing the practical application of something.

through the use of

Highlights the means by which something is accomplished.

via the application of

A more formal way of indicating the method used.

by means of

Indicates the method or tool used to achieve a result.

by implementing

Suggests putting a plan or system into effect.

by adopting

Implies choosing and embracing a new method or approach.

by applying

Focuses on the direct use of a technique or principle.

through recourse to

Similar to "by resorting to" but perhaps implies a greater sense of desperation or necessity. It also makes the text more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "by resorting to" in a sentence?

You can use "by resorting to" to explain how a problem was solved or a goal was achieved, particularly when other options were exhausted. For example, "The company increased its sales "by resorting to" aggressive marketing tactics."

What are some alternatives to "by resorting to"?

You can use alternatives like "by turning to", "by employing", or "through the use of" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "by resorting to" or "by using"?

The choice depends on the context. "By using" is a general phrase for employing something. "By resorting to" implies that other methods were tried first or that the action is a less desirable option.

When is it appropriate to use "by resorting to" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the action taken was a means of overcoming a challenge or addressing a difficult situation, often implying that other options were less suitable or had failed.