if all else fails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'if all else fails' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something should still be done even if all the other methods have not succeeded. For example: "If all else fails, we'll just have to order the supplies online."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If all else fails, break it off!

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If all else fails, protest!

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Relocate if all else fails.

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If all else fails, guess.

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If all else fails, leave.

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If all else fails, search for receipts.

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If all else fails, end the friendship.

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If all else fails, consider surgery.

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Finally if all else fails: Fight back!

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Get another rabbit if all else fails.

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If all else fails, break the bottle.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if all else fails" to clearly indicate a final course of action when other attempts have been unsuccessful. This helps to manage expectations and provides a clear plan B.

Common error

Avoid using "if all else fails" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and may suggest a lack of more creative solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if all else fails" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a clause that specifies a final action to be taken when all other attempts have been unsuccessful. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if all else fails" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a final contingency plan. As Ludwig AI points out, its function is to provide a clear, last-resort option when other strategies are unsuccessful. While versatile, it is most frequently found in Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to informal register. When writing, it is important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy and consider more formal alternatives when the context demands. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to clearly communicate a plan B, providing assurance in situations where initial efforts may not succeed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a last resort

Emphasizes that the action is only taken after all other options have been exhausted.

failing all else

A more concise way of saying that other options have failed.

if all other options are exhausted

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the exhaustion of alternatives.

when everything else is tried

Explicitly states that all other attempts have been made.

as a final measure

Highlights the action as a last-ditch effort.

if all goes wrong

Focuses on a negative outcome necessitating an alternative action.

in the final analysis

Highlights a concluding assessment after considering all possibilities.

when push comes to shove

Indicates a critical moment requiring a decisive action.

at the end of the day

Implies a final decision or action after a period of consideration.

worst case scenario

Suggests planning for the most unfavorable outcome and its solution.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if all else fails"?

Alternatives include "as a last resort", "in the final analysis", or "when everything else is tried", depending on the context.

Is "if all else fails" formal or informal?

The phrase "if all else fails" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, consider using a more sophisticated alternative.

How to use "if all else fails" in a sentence?

You can use "if all else fails" to introduce a final option after other methods have been attempted. For example, "We'll try negotiating first, but "if all else fails", we'll take legal action."

What does "if all else fails" mean?

The phrase "if all else fails" means that if all other methods or plans are unsuccessful, a specific action should be taken as a last resort.