final recourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "final recourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the last option or measure taken when all other alternatives have been exhausted. Example: "In situations of extreme financial distress, bankruptcy may be considered as a final recourse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Court was absolutely my final recourse".

The Guardian

But the lake association members may have one final recourse.

The New York Times

Both agreed their democratic options had been voided by emergency management, and civil disobedience was their final recourse.

The Guardian

In a representative government defined by factionalism, voter suppression provides one final recourse for obstinate ideologues who cannot bring themselves to abandon or evolve outmoded ideology.

The Washington Post

South Africa's parole review board – the final recourse for parole disputes– met on Monday to determine whether Pistorius, 28, should be allowed out on house arrest.

The Guardian

The final recourse open to them is a judicial review, and a meeting has been scheduled on 18 February for councils that may wish to pursue this route.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"It's the last recourse.

Vice

A Pakistani Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy has filed an appeal in the country's top court, her final legal recourse after being found guilty of insulting the prophet Muhammad four years ago.

The Guardian

Democrats lost what may have been Nelson's final legal recourse on Friday when a federal judge denied a request to accept some mail-in ballots received after Election Day.

The Washington Post

In June that year, the WikiLeaks founder, who was on bail after losing his supreme court case – his final legal recourse in Britain against extradition – fled to the small embassy building behind Harrod's, in London's Knightsbridge.

The Guardian

FINA's executive director, Cornel Marculescu, said the Serbian team was then given the chance to watch the footage themselves and did not choose to take their protest to the second and final level by seeking recourse from a jury of appeal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "final recourse" when emphasizing that an action is taken only after all other possibilities have been exhausted. It adds a sense of gravity to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "final recourse" when simpler alternatives like "last resort" or "final option" suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "final recourse" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it signifies the ultimate action or solution when all other possibilities are exhausted. It is used to convey that something is being done as the last available option.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "final recourse" is a phrase used to describe the ultimate option when all other possibilities have been exhausted. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and science contexts. While similar to "last resort", it often carries a slightly more formal tone. When writing, use it judiciously to emphasize the gravity of a situation, avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "last resort" or "final option" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Last resort

Focuses on the idea of something being the ultimate option when all others are exhausted.

Ultimate solution

Emphasizes the aspect of resolving a problem as the final and most effective approach.

Final option

Highlights the lack of alternatives; the very last choice available.

Last avenue

Implies a pathway or method pursued after all other possibilities have been explored.

Last measure

Suggests an action taken when all other attempts to achieve a goal have been tried.

Final expedient

Indicates the last practical means to achieve an end, often implying urgency.

Last ditch effort

Conveys a sense of desperation in attempting a final solution.

Absolute necessity

Highlights that something is essential and unavoidable.

Concluding action

Focuses on something being the terminal step in a series of events.

End solution

Suggests the terminal solution, often after many failed attempts.

FAQs

What does "final recourse" mean?

The phrase "final recourse" refers to the last option or solution available when all other attempts have failed. It implies a point where no other alternatives remain.

When is it appropriate to use "final recourse" in writing?

Use "final recourse" when you want to emphasize the extremity of a situation and the lack of other viable options. It's best suited for formal or serious contexts.

What are some synonyms for "final recourse"?

Synonyms for "final recourse" include "last resort", "ultimate solution", and "final option". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "final recourse" interchangeable with "last resort"?

While "final recourse" and "last resort" are similar, "final recourse" often carries a slightly more formal tone. "Last resort" is more commonly used in everyday conversation, while "final recourse" is more appropriate for formal writing or serious discussions.