last resort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last resort" is correct and is used in written English.
It is used to refer to a solution that would be used only if all other attempts to solve a problem have failed. For example, "We only want to use the new software as a last resort if all our other troubleshooting tips don't work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last resort.

The New Yorker

That's the last resort".

The New Yorker

Freezing is a last resort.

The New York Times

This is their last resort".

Independent

This was the last resort".

Independent

This is my last resort.

The New York Times

Swiss astringents a last resort.

The New Yorker

Defaults are seen as a last resort.

The Economist

It was the treatment of last resort.

The New York Times

It's a last resort.

The New York Times

Tiens is almost always a last resort.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last resort" when you've genuinely exhausted all other viable options. Avoid using it prematurely, as it implies a certain degree of desperation or finality.

Common error

Don't overuse "last resort" in your writing. If every solution is framed as a "last resort", it diminishes the impact and suggests a lack of proactive planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last resort" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the final option or course of action available when all others have failed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last resort" signifies a final option when all others have failed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Science" contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile across various situations. While phrases like "final option" and "ultimate solution" offer similar meanings, "last resort" uniquely conveys a sense of desperation and finality. To use the phrase effectively, reserve it for situations where all other avenues have genuinely been exhausted to accurately reflect the extremity of the circumstance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final option

Focuses on the concluding nature of the choice, emphasizing its place in a sequence of options.

ultimate solution

Highlights the decisiveness and importance of the solution being considered.

last-ditch effort

Implies a sense of desperation and urgency in the attempt.

final recourse

Emphasizes the act of turning to something for help or protection.

as a final measure

Highlights the action being taken is the last action to be done.

when all else fails

Sets a conditional tone, emphasizing the failure of previous attempts.

fallback plan

Refers to a predetermined alternative in case the primary plan does not succeed.

contingency plan

Similar to a fallback plan, but often more formalized and prepared in advance.

backstop

A measure implemented as a safeguard.

safety net

Highlights the protective aspect of the final option.

FAQs

How to use "last resort" in a sentence?

You can use "last resort" to describe a final option or solution after all other possibilities have been exhausted. For example, "Surgery should be considered a "last resort" after trying physical therapy and medication."

What can I say instead of "last resort"?

Alternatives to "last resort" include "final option", "ultimate solution", or "last-ditch effort" depending on the specific context.

Is "as a last resort" the same as "last resort"?

"Last resort" is a noun phrase referring to the final option itself. "As a last resort" is an adverbial phrase indicating the circumstances under which that option is pursued. They are related but used differently in sentences.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "last resort"?

The phrase "last resort" is appropriate when discussing actions taken only after all other methods have failed. It's suitable for scenarios ranging from medical treatments to problem-solving strategies.