resort to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resort to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used in the sense of using something as a last option when other options have failed. For example, "After failing to pass the test, he resorted to begging the teacher for extra credit points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— resort to paying students?

The New York Times

She doesn't resort to tricks.

The New York Times

Instead, they resort to stealth.

The New York Times

The poor resort to vigilantism.

The Economist

Russia might resort to nuclear blackmail.

The Economist

"Maybe catchers have to resort to that.

The New York Times - Sports

"And we should not resort to provocations.

The New York Times

One has to resort to the imagination.

The New Yorker

It is starting to resort to force.

The Economist

She may resort to new taxes.

The Economist

So they resort to fiscal triage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resort to" to clearly indicate that an action is being taken as a final option after other methods have failed.

Common error

Avoid using "resort to" when a more direct or positive action is intended. It often carries a negative connotation of desperation or lack of better options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resort to" functions as a verb phrase, typically followed by a noun or gerund, indicating the action being taken as a last option. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and grammatically sound, aligning with its frequent use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resort to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate turning to something as a final option, especially when facing limited or undesirable choices. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely recognized and grammatically sound. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki, although it maintains a generally neutral tone. When writing, it's best to use "resort to" to emphasize that an action is a last resort and to avoid overusing it in situations where a more direct or positive approach is possible. Be sure to consider alternative expressions like "turn to" or "fall back on" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn to

This is a direct synonym, indicating a change in strategy or action.

fall back on

Suggests relying on something as a backup when other methods fail.

have recourse to

Implies seeking assistance or a solution from a particular source or action, often legal or formal.

make use of

Indicates utilizing something that might not be the first choice.

employ as a last resort

Emphasizes that the action is taken only after exhausting other options.

have no alternative but to

Highlights the lack of other options, forcing a specific action.

be compelled to

Suggests being forced or driven to take a particular action.

be reduced to

Indicates a situation where one is forced to a less desirable action.

adopt as a final measure

Highlights the action as a carefully considered last step.

be driven to

Implies that external forces or circumstances necessitate the action.

FAQs

What does "resort to" mean?

The phrase "resort to" means to turn to something, especially something bad or undesirable, as a last option because other methods have failed. It implies a sense of desperation or lack of better alternatives.

What can I say instead of "resort to"?

You can use alternatives like "turn to", "fall back on", or "have recourse to" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "resort to" in formal writing?

Yes, "resort to" can be used in formal writing, but be mindful of its negative connotation. Ensure it accurately reflects the situation where other options have genuinely been exhausted. A more neutral alternative might be "make use of" if the negative implication is not intended.

How to use "resort to" in a sentence?

You can use "resort to" in a sentence like: "If negotiations fail, the company may have to resort to layoffs." or "When faced with a difficult problem, it's important not to resort to dishonest solutions."