desperate measures

USAGE SUMMARY

'desperate measures' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe actions taken out of desperation or when the usual methods are inadequate. For example: "With no other options available, the politicians resorted to desperate measures to solve the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From desperation come desperate measures.

Huffington Post

Desperate times, desperate measures.

Independent

"Desperate times require desperate measures".

The New York Times

Desperate times breed desperate measures.

The New Yorker

It is resorting to desperate measures.

The Economist

But desperate times call for desperate measures.

The New York Times - Sports

"They seem like desperate measures to me.

The New York Times

Desperate times, it seems, demand desperate measures.

The Economist

DESPERATE times call for desperate measures.

Forbes

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

The Guardian - Business

(Sorry, Daniel Day-Lewis; desperate measures).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desperate measures", ensure the context clearly indicates the severity or urgency that necessitates such actions. Provide sufficient background information to justify the use of extraordinary means.

Common error

Avoid using "desperate measures" when the situation doesn't genuinely warrant it. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and create unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate measures" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it describes actions taken when facing dire circumstances, implying a sense of urgency and limited options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desperate measures" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies actions taken in critical or urgent situations. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, the actions it describes often carry ethical implications depending on the specific situation. It is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its versatility. When using "desperate measures", ensure the context clearly reflects the severity of the situation and the necessity for extraordinary actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drastic steps

Emphasizes the severity and impact of the actions taken.

extreme actions

Highlights the extremity and unusual nature of the actions.

last resort

Focuses on the idea that all other options have been exhausted.

radical solutions

Suggests innovative and unconventional approaches.

severe measures

Indicates the strict and forceful nature of the actions.

urgent actions

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the actions taken.

critical steps

Emphasizes the importance of the actions in a crucial situation.

determined efforts

Focuses on the resolve and commitment behind the actions.

risky gambit

Implies a high-stakes, potentially dangerous action.

extraordinary means

Indicates actions that are beyond the ordinary or typical.

FAQs

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

You can use "desperate measures" to describe actions taken as a last resort in critical situations. For example: "Facing bankruptcy, the company resorted to "desperate measures" to stay afloat."

What are some alternatives to using "desperate measures"?

Alternatives include "drastic steps", "extreme actions", or "last resort", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to use "desperate measures"?

While "desperate measures" often implies a negative situation, the phrase itself is neutral. The ethical implications depend on the specific actions taken. For example, using "desperate measures" to save lives can be seen as morally justifiable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "desperate times call for desperate measures"?

This saying is appropriate when explaining or justifying extreme or unusual actions taken during a crisis or difficult situation. It suggests that normal procedures are inadequate and extraordinary steps are necessary.