desperate measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperate measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action taken in a situation of extreme urgency or necessity, often when other options have failed. Example: "In a moment of crisis, the team resorted to a desperate measure to save the project from failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a pretty desperate measure," he said.

The Guardian

"It's a rather desperate measure," admits a well-placed southerner.

The Economist

But it is something of a desperate measure.

The New York Times

It was a desperate measure, for a desperate disease.

The New York Times - Health

It was a desperate measure for desperate times.

The New York Times

The desperate measure, which angered pharmaceuticals companies, paid off.

The Guardian - Business

Inside the emergency room John decides on a desperate measure.

The New York Times

So he does one last desperate measure literally to prevent the army from entirely disappearing.

Yale University

"It is a desperate measure," said Ikram Sehgal, a defense analyst and a former army officer.

The New York Times

But isn't it more of a foolishly desperate measure than a long-term solution?

The Washington Post

"We are doing it as a desperate measure to try to prevent people from dying".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and tone. While appropriate in many contexts, "desperate measure" can sound overly dramatic in more formal or professional settings. Assess if a more neutral term like "last resort" might be more fitting.

Common error

Avoid using "desperate measure" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate measure" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describes actions taken as a last resort. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

3%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "desperate measure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe actions taken as a last resort during critical situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most often in news and media contexts, as well as in academic writing. When using the expression, consider its impact and if the context demands a more precise or neutral alternative such as "last resort" or "drastic action". Overusing this phrase can diminish its effect, so vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desperate attempt

Highlights the element of desperation and the low chances of success.

last resort

Focuses on the sequence of actions, emphasizing that all other options have been exhausted.

extreme measure

Highlights the severity and potential consequences of the action.

drastic action

Implies a significant and impactful intervention, often with broad effects.

last-ditch effort

Conveys a sense of urgency and the high stakes involved in the action.

final option

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives and the definitive nature of the choice.

emergency solution

Suggests a quick fix to an urgent problem, possibly temporary.

radical step

Indicates a departure from conventional methods, often implying significant change.

heroic effort

Suggests a bold and risky attempt to resolve the situation.

risky maneuver

Highlights the potential dangers and uncertainties associated with the action.

FAQs

How can I use "desperate measure" in a sentence?

The phrase "desperate measure" is used to describe an action taken as a last resort in a difficult or urgent situation. For example: "They saw the agreement with Russia as a "desperate measure" to address the situation".

What are some alternatives to "desperate measure"?

You can use alternatives like "last resort", "extreme measure", or "drastic action" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "desperate measure"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation where other options have failed or are not viable, and the action taken is seen as a last-ditch attempt to resolve a critical problem. This phrase fits circumstances where the stakes are high and the solution is risky.

Is "desperate measure" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "desperate measure" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is always better to consider the audience. In certain contexts it's better to use expressions such as "last resort" or "drastic action".