have recourse to

USAGE SUMMARY

"have recourse to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone is turning to or using something for help or aid. For example: "When the student didn't understand the material, he had recourse to his professor for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any deposit-insurance scheme must have recourse to government backing.

The Economist

Failing that, Simon does have recourse to another Louis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here again we were obliged to have recourse to whatever expedient ingenuity suggested.

The New York Times

Beckett's characters, who can find no comfort in the desert, also have recourse to Cranmer's words.

The New Yorker

They would also have recourse to different classes of shares with different degrees of power.

The Economist

The unwise demonstrations of the radicals caused the government to have recourse to repressive legislation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In some cases where our security is under direct threat, we will have recourse to arms.

The New York Times

You might have recourse to your mother to comfort you when your hamster dies.

The Guardian

They also say that communities still have recourse to action through the courts.

The Guardian

If you want to appeal, it is, again, your boss you have recourse to.

The Guardian

Individuals and corporations have recourse to bankruptcy codes that give them protection from their creditors.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have recourse to" when you want to emphasize that someone is turning to a specific option, often because other possibilities are exhausted or unavailable.

Common error

Ensure you use the correct preposition "to" after "have recourse". Avoid using other prepositions like "with", "in", or omitting the preposition altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have recourse to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of turning to someone or something for assistance or a solution. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from legal action to seeking comfort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have recourse to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies turning to someone or something for assistance, especially as a last resort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful expression in formal English. This phrase commonly appears in formal writing across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using "have recourse to", ensure you employ it in contexts that warrant a formal tone and consider related phrases like ""turn to"" or ""resort to"" for alternative expressions. Remember to use the correct preposition "to" to avoid common preposition errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn to

This implies seeking assistance or support, often in a moment of need.

resort to

Suggests using something as a last option when other methods have failed.

make use of

This indicates utilizing or employing something that is available.

fall back on

Implies relying on something as a backup plan or alternative.

draw upon

Suggests using a resource or ability that one possesses.

appeal to

Indicates seeking help or support from someone or something.

look to

Implies depending on someone or something for guidance or support.

call upon

This suggests formally requesting assistance or action.

seek assistance from

Focuses on the act of asking for aid or help from a specific source.

employ

This indicates utilizing something as a means to achieve a particular end.

FAQs

How can I use "have recourse to" in a sentence?

You can use "have recourse to" to indicate that someone is turning to a particular option or action for help or resolution. For example, "If negotiations fail, we may "have recourse to" legal action."

What does "have recourse to" mean?

The phrase "have recourse to" means to turn to someone or something for help or protection, especially when facing a difficult situation or problem. It implies seeking assistance or a solution from a specific source.

What are some alternatives to "have recourse to"?

Some alternatives to "have recourse to" include "turn to", "resort to", "make use of", or "fall back on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "have recourse to" in formal writing?

Yes, "have recourse to" is appropriate for formal writing. It is often found in legal, business, and academic contexts. However, ensure the context warrants the formality of the phrase; less formal alternatives might be more suitable in casual writing.