it was resorted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was resorted to" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase can be used to indicate that a particular course of action was taken as a last resort after other options had been exhausted. For example, "After no other solutions could be found to the problem, it was resorted to using special equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are also told, however, that abortion was practiced in Greek times as well as in the Roman Era, and that 'it was resorted to without scruple.' " Roe overturned laws passed by state legislatures by appealing to ancient history.

The New Yorker

In cases when the separation achieved by one molecular distillation stage is not sharp enough, it is resorted to multiple stage schemes.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

Now it's resorted to allowing users to cross-post to Facebook Stories from Instagram or Messenger, but they still don't get many views.

TechCrunch

U.S.A.D.A.'s leap to judgment on the flimsiest of so-called 'evidence' confirms our worst suspicions -- that it is resorting to McCarthy-like tactics in its efforts to ruin Tim's reputation".

The New York Times - Sports

It is resorting to desperate measures.

The Economist

So it is resorting to informal tools.

The Economist

You don't do it be resorting to outdated attitudes to women.

The Guardian

Israel says it is resorting to military measures because the governing Palestinian Authority is not doing enough to fight terrorism.

The New York Times

"The university has shown no interest in opening dialogue and it's resorting to intimidation," said a spokesperson for the occupiers.

Independent

Too pressed for time now to stick with traditional methods of political wheeling and dealing, it is resorting to outright intimidation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, it is resorting to a siege economy.Since last year, importers have faced curbs (on May 25th, the European Union filed a complaint at the World Trade Organisation against the import restrictions).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was resorted to" to clearly indicate that an action was taken as a final option after exploring other possibilities. This can add emphasis to the severity or necessity of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "it was resorted to" when a more direct or simpler phrase would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or dramatic. For example, instead of "It was resorted to asking for help", consider "We asked for help".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was resorted to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a particular action or measure was adopted as a consequence of certain circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and provides examples showcasing its usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was resorted to" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a particular action was taken as a final option. Ludwig AI supports this and provides usage examples. While the phrase is generally suitable for neutral to professional contexts, as seen in news and scientific sources, it's important to avoid overuse and ensure it fits the tone of your writing. Alternatives such as "it was employed" or "it was utilized" can provide similar meanings while maintaining clarity and avoiding wordiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was employed

Replaces 'resorted to' with a more neutral term indicating utilization.

it was utilized

Similar to 'employed', but emphasizes the practical use of something.

it was applied

Focuses on the direct implementation or application of a method or solution.

it was implemented

Highlights the execution or enactment of a plan or system.

it was adopted

Suggests a deliberate choice to use a particular approach.

it was turned to

Indicates seeking assistance or a solution from a specific source.

it was fallen back on

Implies a return to a previously used method, often in times of need.

it was had recourse to

A more formal way of saying something was used as a last resort.

it was drawn on

Suggests leveraging a resource or skill that is available.

it was banked on

Implies reliance on something with a degree of confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "it was resorted to" in a sentence?

Use "it was resorted to" to indicate that a particular action was taken as a last option after other options were exhausted. For example, "After all other methods failed, "it was resorted to" calling in external experts".

What are some alternatives to "it was resorted to"?

Alternatives include "it was employed", "it was utilized", or "it was applied", depending on the specific context. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of taking action.

Is "it was resorted to" formal or informal?

"It was resorted to" tends to be more formal. In less formal contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "we used" or "they tried".

When is it appropriate to use "it was resorted to"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the action taken was a final measure after other options were considered and rejected. This can highlight the seriousness or urgency of the situation.