recourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a source of help or support in a difficult situation, often in legal or financial contexts. Example: "If the company fails to deliver the product on time, we will have no recourse but to seek legal action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Good order and authority are now necessary… We must have recourse to the old Roman expedient in times of confusion and choose a dictator".

The Guardian - Opinion

The Greens say this deal prevents any legal recourse against previous Labor decisions, as well as approvals to be considered by Hunt, such as the Abbot Point decision.

The Guardian

It remains unclear what recourse the defendants will now take.

The Guardian

There haven't been any stable institutions for quite a while – and the military was seen as the last bastion of stability and recourse," said Bassem Sabry, a prominent Egyptian columnist.

The Guardian

Since his arrest, Paterson said, Manning has been trapped in a form of legal limbo, with no recourse to any appeals.

The Guardian

In the name of fighting terrorism and re-establishing stability, Egypt has arrested thousands (one local non-governmental organisation puts the figure at more than 20,000) and sought recourse to legislation that has effectively killed off public displays of political opposition.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ECHR observed that any "recourse to shackling would not result in a significant deterioration in his mental and physical health or that such a deterioration would be capable of reaching the article 3 threshold".

The Guardian

But news that a formal lawsuit has been filed against her in India forces recourse to the sedatives.

The Guardian

Referendums are dangerous tools at the best of times, weakening the parliaments which have recourse to them and splitting political parties.

The Guardian

So: the PM continues to talk up the "big binary choice" and the intrinsic desirability of a majority government that is able to take radical decisions without constant recourse to its partner or partners.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our only recourse was to express middle-classness in small and pointless ways; ways that probably nobody else would even notice, as if we were writing reassuring little notes-to-self.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recourse", clearly state what action or entity one turns to for assistance. For example, specify "legal recourse" or "recourse to the courts".

Common error

Avoid assuming "recourse" automatically implies a positive outcome. It simply denotes the act of seeking help, not the guarantee of a solution.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recourse" is as a noun, referring to a source of help or support in a difficult situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates the act of seeking assistance or a remedy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recourse" is a versatile term, frequently employed in news and media and formal business contexts, to denote the act of seeking help or a remedy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous real-world examples showcasing its application. When using "recourse", be clear about the specific action or entity involved and avoid assuming a guaranteed positive outcome. Alternatives such as "remedy", "resort", and "option" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remedy

Focuses on the solution or cure to a problem, omitting the action of seeking it.

resort

Emphasizes the act of turning to something as a solution, similar to "recourse" but can imply a final option.

access to

Highlights the availability of something that can be used for help or support.

avenue for assistance

Specifies a path or method for obtaining help, rather than the act of seeking it.

means of redress

Indicates a way to correct a wrong or obtain compensation, often in a legal context.

legal remedy

Specifically refers to solutions available through the legal system.

available option

General term for a possible course of action that can be used to get help.

source of help

Emphasizes where the help is coming from.

fallback plan

Implies a secondary plan used when the primary one fails.

option for resolution

Highlights the potential for solving a problem.

FAQs

How to use "recourse" in a sentence?

"Recourse" is used to describe the act of seeking assistance or a remedy. For example, "If negotiations fail, our only "recourse" is to file a lawsuit."

What can I say instead of "recourse"?

Alternatives to "recourse" include "remedy", "resort", or "option", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "recourse" and "remedy"?

"Recourse" refers to the act of seeking help or a solution, while "remedy" refers to the solution itself. You take "recourse" to a "remedy".

When is it appropriate to use the term "recourse"?

Use "recourse" when describing the act of turning to someone or something for help, especially in situations involving problems, disputes, or the need for a solution.