resort to force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resort to force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where someone chooses to use physical power or violence as a means to achieve a goal or resolve a conflict. Example: "In the face of escalating tensions, the government may feel compelled to resort to force to maintain order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is starting to resort to force.

The Economist

But that doesn't justify Iraq's resort to force.

The New York Times

The United States deplores resort to force for the settlement of disputes.

Yale University

Of these, the most damaging is its habitual resort to force.

The New York Times

The resort to force is not a partisan position; it is a product of political failure.

The New Yorker

China shows no sign of stopping, and it seems inconceivable that America would resort to force.

The Economist

That leads them to resort to force in the resolution of conflicts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, the United States must maintain its military capacity to resist any resort to force.

The New York Times

The Syria strike displayed the President's willingness to resort to force when diplomacy fails.

The New Yorker

Unlike Moscow, Washington has said it will not resort to force to resolve the crisis.

The Guardian

The resort to force represented a failure of U.S. policy on several levels.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or ethical discussions, "resort to force" can be used to analyze the justifications and consequences of using violence or coercion as a last resort.

Common error

Avoid using "resort to force" in casual or everyday situations where the level of intensity doesn't match the phrase's gravitas. Using it inappropriately can create a sense of melodrama or exaggeration that undermines your message. Use "use coercion" or "turn to violence" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resort to force" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to describe the action of using physical power or violence as a final option. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. This highlights a critical point in decision-making, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resort to force" is a verbal phrase used to describe the decision to use physical power or violence, generally as a last resort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias, it maintains a neutral register, signifying a grave decision. When writing, it's essential to reserve this phrase for serious situations where the intensity matches its gravitas. Alternatives include "turn to violence" or "use coercion" depending on the specific connotation required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn to violence

Focuses specifically on the violent aspect of resorting to force.

use coercion

Emphasizes the act of compelling someone through pressure or intimidation.

employ aggression

Highlights the aggressive nature of using force.

apply military action

Specifies the use of military means.

take up arms

Emphasizes the act of preparing for or engaging in combat.

initiate hostilities

Focuses on the commencement of conflict or warfare.

exercise power

Highlights the demonstration or exertion of authority, often physically.

enforce compliance

Stresses the act of compelling adherence to rules or laws.

wield authority

Implies the use of one's position to exert influence or control.

impose control

Highlights the act of establishing dominance or command.

FAQs

How is "resort to force" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "resort to force" is often used to describe a situation where other options have been exhausted, and the use of physical power is considered a final option. For example, "The government may "resort to force" if diplomatic efforts fail".

What are some alternatives to "resort to force"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "turn to violence", "use coercion", or "employ aggression" to convey similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "resort to force" in writing?

"Resort to force" is most appropriate when discussing serious situations involving conflict, politics, or legal matters, where the use of physical or coercive power is a deliberate choice, such as in contexts related to war, law enforcement, or social control.

What implications does using the phrase "resort to force" carry?

Using the phrase "resort to force" implies that a situation has escalated to a point where non-violent methods are deemed insufficient or ineffective. It suggests a significant decision with potential consequences, often involving ethical and political considerations.