resort to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resort to something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone turns to a particular action or solution, often as a last option when other methods have failed. Example: "After trying various methods to solve the problem, we had no choice but to resort to something more drastic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Or we could resort to something different and radical: the electronic printing press.

The New Yorker

To reconnect with the past, he can always resort to something Tyree didn't have when he joined the Giants.

The New York Times - Sports

It is usually a sign of their resilience that they resort to something that seems so extreme in order to stay alive and to cope.

The Guardian - Opinion

When M's secretary corrects Bond on a minor point, he tells her he'll "give her cause for heavy breathing... Or if you insist on splitting hairs I shall have to resort to something firmer.

The Guardian - Books

To stand out with his craft, McCor decided to resort to something a little different.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Grimsby, on the other hand, recoils from engagement and resorts to something like slander.

The Guardian - Film

He never suspected she was resorting to something much more lethal.

The Guardian - Books

But before tonight's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Van Gundy, perhaps exasperated by his failure to get through to his players, resorted to something completely out of character.

The New York Times - Sports

There are plenty of ways to change the financing of Medicare to ensure its solvency without resorting to something as detrimental to senior citizens as vouchers or premium support programs.

The New York Times

Miyazaki always seems to find ways to resolve the drama without resorting to something as lively as sword-fighting or martial arts.

Huffington Post

I'd appreciate you taking the high road and not resorting to something childish like this that's been blogged about 1,000 times".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resort to something" when you want to emphasize that a particular action is being taken as a final option after other methods have been exhausted. For instance, "After exhausting all other options, they had to "resort to something" more drastic to resolve the issue".

Common error

Avoid using "resort to something" in everyday conversation where simpler alternatives like "use" or "try" would suffice. Overusing it can make your speech sound overly formal or dramatic in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resort to something" functions as a verb phrase indicating the adoption of a course of action, strategy, or measure, typically as a last option when other methods have failed. Ludwig shows the phrase in various contexts, ranging from political decisions to personal choices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resort to something" is used to describe the act of turning to a particular action or measure, often as a last option. Ludwig AI affirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Usage analysis indicates that it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, its implications suggest a serious situation necessitating a final, sometimes undesirable, action. Alternatives include phrases such as "turn to something" or "fall back on something", offering writers flexibility in expressing the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn to something

Focuses on choosing something as a solution or source of help.

fall back on something

Implies relying on something as a backup plan or after a failure.

rely on something

Highlights the dependence on something for support or assistance.

have recourse to something

Suggests having a particular option available as a solution.

make use of something

Emphasizes the act of utilizing something for a specific purpose.

employ something

Highlights using something, often a strategy or method, to achieve a goal.

adopt something

Focuses on embracing or taking up something as a course of action.

draw on something

Implies utilizing a resource or skill that one possesses.

have recourse to

Implies turning to somebody or something for assistance or a solution in a difficult situation.

look to something

Highlights considering something as a potential source of help or solution.

FAQs

How can I use "resort to something" in a sentence?

You can use "resort to something" to indicate that a particular action is taken as a last option. For example, "If negotiations fail, we may have to "resort to something" more drastic".

What are some alternatives to "resort to something"?

Alternatives include "turn to something", "fall back on something", or "rely on something", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "resort to something"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that the action being described is not the first choice, but a necessary measure taken after other options have been exhausted or have failed.

Is "resort to something" formal or informal?

The phrase is relatively neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a sense of gravity, suggesting the situation is serious enough to require a final, often undesirable, measure.