he resorted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he resorted to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone turns to a particular action or method, often as a last option or in response to a problem. Example: "After exhausting all other options, he resorted to seeking help from a professional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He resorted to a desperate stratagem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So he resorted to a window.

The New York Times

It was the politics of fear that he resorted to.

The New York Times

He resorted to Twitter to protect himself — as one does.

The Washington Post

Hampered by the language barrier, he resorted to hand signals.

The Washington Post

However, he resorted to corruption to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

It wasn't like he resorted to tax increases initially".

The New York Times

And he resorted to falsetto singing, it seemed, in high pianissimo phrases.

The New York Times - Arts

This time, he resorted to guile, banking in a shot off Nabokov's skate.

The New York Times - Sports

In his news conference, he resorted to "angry" or "anger" 28 times.

The New York Times

Mr. Radcliffe acknowledges that to pull off this coup, he resorted to some sleight of hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he resorted to" when you want to emphasize that the action taken was not the first choice, but rather a necessary measure due to a lack of better alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "resulted to" instead of "resorted to". "Resulted" indicates a consequence, while "resorted" implies turning to something as a solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he resorted to" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject took a specific action as a final option or solution. This is evident in Ludwig's examples where individuals turned to different strategies when faced with challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he resorted to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that someone took a specific action as a final option or solution. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register and is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Related phrases include "he turned to" and "he fell back on", offering alternative ways to convey the same meaning. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a situation where other options were exhausted, distinguishing it from simply using a method or tool without implying a lack of alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he turned to

Indicates a change in direction or approach, similar to resorting to something as an alternative.

he fell back on

Suggests relying on something as a backup plan when other options have failed.

he had recourse to

Implies seeking assistance or a solution from a particular source.

he had to use

Highlights the necessity of using a particular method or tool.

he was compelled to use

Emphasizes the element of coercion or obligation in the action taken.

he was forced to

Highlights the lack of choice or voluntariness in the action.

he was obliged to

Similar to being forced, but suggests more of a moral or legal obligation.

he took to

Suggests adopting a new habit or behavior, often as a solution.

he employed

Describes the use of a specific method or tool to achieve a goal.

he made use of

Similar to employing, but emphasizes the utilization of available resources.

FAQs

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

Use "he resorted to" when indicating that someone adopted a specific action or strategy as a final option, often due to a lack of better alternatives. For example: "When negotiations failed, he resorted to legal action."

What are some alternatives to "he resorted to"?

You can use alternatives like "he turned to", "he fell back on", or "he had recourse to" depending on the specific context.

Is "he resorted to" formal or informal?

"He resorted to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "he resorted to" and "he used"?

"He resorted to" implies that the action was a last resort, while "he used" simply indicates that he employed a particular method or tool without necessarily implying a lack of other options.