have resorted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have resorted to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to have chosen or done something as a last resort when no other options have been successful. Example sentence: When their attempts to negotiate failed, they had resorted to taking legal action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others have resorted to the courts.

The Economist

Some patients have resorted to Craigslist.

The New York Times

"They have resorted to this new method.

Independent

Others have resorted to more unorthodox means.

The New York Times

Others have resorted to desperate measures.

The New York Times

Most have resorted to rubbishing any alarming scientific evidence.

The Economist

So many cities have resorted to service cuts.

The New York Times

So the homophobes have resorted to other tactics.

Independent

Some families have resorted to living solely on buckwheat.

Independent

Colleges have resorted to deeper discounts and accelerated degree programs.

The New York Times

The networks, meanwhile, have resorted to three editions of "C.S.I".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have resorted to" to clearly communicate a situation where conventional methods have failed, leading to the adoption of a more drastic or unconventional approach.

Common error

Avoid using "have resorted to" when the action was a primary choice rather than a final option. This phrase carries the connotation of desperation or lack of alternatives, which should align with the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have resorted to" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a particular action was taken as a final option when other means have failed. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have resorted to" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate that a specific action was taken as a final option when all other means have failed. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct. Commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, this phrase carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using "have resorted to", ensure it accurately reflects that the action was indeed a last resort, and be mindful of the implication of desperation or lack of alternatives. Understanding the connotations and nuances of this phrase will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have turned to

Implies seeking help or a solution from a specific source or method after other options were exhausted; it's less negative than the original phrase.

have fallen back on

Suggests relying on something as a backup plan when the initial strategy did not work; conveys a sense of retreat or reliance on a secondary option.

have been compelled to use

Indicates that the action was not voluntary but forced by circumstances; it emphasizes the lack of choice.

have had recourse to

A more formal way of saying someone used something for assistance or protection, often implying a legal or official measure.

have been driven to

Highlights the external pressure that caused the action; suggests a lack of alternatives and a sense of inevitability.

have been forced to

Emphasizes a lack of choice and external coercion, indicating the action was not voluntary.

have been reduced to

Indicates a decline or a negative shift in circumstances leading to the action; implies a sense of degradation or loss of status.

have stooped to

Implies that the action is considered morally questionable or beneath one's usual standards; conveys a sense of shame or regret.

have ended up using

Suggests that an action was not planned initially but became necessary after other approaches failed; it's less dramatic than the original.

have leaned on

Indicates reliance on someone or something for support, often during difficult times. Implies dependence and trust in that source.

FAQs

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

You can use "have resorted to" to indicate that someone has done something drastic or unconventional after trying other methods that have failed. For example, "After negotiations failed, they "have resorted to" legal action".

What are some alternatives to "have resorted to"?

Alternatives include "have turned to", "have fallen back on", or "have been forced to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "have resorted to" and "have tried"?

"Have tried" simply indicates an attempt, while ""have resorted to"" implies that other attempts have failed, leading to a final or less desirable option.

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

Yes, ""have resorted to"" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to emphasize that an action was taken as a last resort due to the failure of other methods.