recourse to

USAGE SUMMARY

"recourse to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the resorting of help or aid from an outside source. Example: When all other solutions had been exhausted, they had no other recourse to but to seek help from a professional.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recourse to state welfare increases.

The Economist

You have no recourse to argue".

Independent

Hence, too, the recourse to Mr Delors.

The Economist

Something we all had recourse to.

The Guardian - Opinion

Defense lawyers have little recourse to appeal.

The New York Times

All that remains is recourse to the supreme court.

The Economist

4. Double elections and subsequent recourse to a third candidate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But a recourse to protectionism sends the wrong message.

The Economist

"There is always recourse to showing physical things".

The New York Times - Tech

Any deposit-insurance scheme must have recourse to government backing.

The Economist

So the president left open recourse to a tougher position.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recourse to" when you want to emphasize that a particular action or resource is being turned to as a means of solving a problem or achieving a goal, especially after other options have been considered or exhausted.

Common error

Avoid using "recourse to" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "using" or "relying on" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recourse to" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically introduces a noun or noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usage to indicate the act of turning to someone or something for assistance or resolution. This phrase often implies that other options have been exhausted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

51%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recourse to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that signifies turning to someone or something for help or a solution. It's common in formal writing, particularly in science and news media, where it indicates a deliberate choice of action after considering other options. While alternatives like "relying on" or "using" exist for more informal settings, "recourse to" effectively conveys a sense of strategic reliance. However, the overuse in informal conversation might sound a bit affected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having recourse to

Adds a sense of entitlement or right to use something.

resorting to

Focuses on the act of turning to something as a solution, often implying it's not the first choice.

turning to

Emphasizes the action of seeking help or a solution from a specific source.

making use of

Highlights the act of utilizing something available.

relying on

Highlights a state of dependence on something or someone.

depending on

Shows reliance on something for support or as a condition.

utilizing

Emphasizes the practical application of something for a specific purpose.

employing

Similar to utilizing, but can also imply putting something into service or action.

seeking assistance from

Focuses on the act of actively looking for help from an external entity.

having access to

Highlights the availability and the ability to use something when needed.

FAQs

How can I use "recourse to" in a sentence?

You can use "recourse to" to indicate that someone is turning to a particular action or thing for help, often as a last resort. For example, "They had no other "option" but to have "recourse to" legal action."

What is a simpler alternative to "recourse to"?

Simpler alternatives include "relying on", "using", or "turning to", which may be more appropriate in informal contexts.

Is it correct to say "have a recourse to" instead of "have recourse to"?

The correct phrasing is "have recourse to". The inclusion of "a" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "recourse to" and "resorting to"?

Both phrases indicate turning to something for help. "Recourse to" emphasizes the availability of a solution, while "resorting to" often implies that the solution is undesirable or a last option.