resorting to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resorting to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone turning to a certain course of action in a difficult situation. For example, "Facing such an overwhelming challenge, she resorted to meditation to help her manage her stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So it is resorting to informal tools.

The Economist

It is resorting to desperate measures.

The Economist

Hence, the government is resorting to detainment.

The New York Times

I began resorting to defensive slice shots.

The New York Times - Sports

Both sides are resorting to lawyers.

The Guardian - Business

A bruised Mr Netanyahu is resorting to political outreach.

The Economist

After resorting to his decree, Mr Macron rose in popularity.

The Economist

You learn to navigate threatening settings without resorting to force.

The New York Times

Resorting to accounting shenanigans to make ends meet.

The Economist

Candidates are increasingly resorting to intimidation to win.

The Economist

But he was making no apologies for resorting to borrowing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "resorting to" with specific and concrete actions to clearly communicate the nature of the alternative being adopted.

Common error

Avoid using "resorting to" in situations where a more positive or proactive term would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly negative or critical. Consider alternatives like "turning to" or "employing" when the action is not a last resort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resorting to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to indicate a secondary or undesirable course of action taken when other options are exhausted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "resorting to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a secondary, often undesirable, course of action taken when other options have failed. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, particularly in news and media. While it carries a neutral register, caution should be exercised in formal settings to avoid overuse. Consider using alternatives such as "turning to" or "making use of" when a more positive or proactive tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turning to

Focuses on the act of choosing an alternative, emphasizing a change in direction.

making use of

Highlights the utilization of a particular method or resource.

employing

Implies a deliberate and strategic application of a technique or strategy.

utilizing

Stresses the practical use of available resources.

having recourse to

Formal alternative, indicating a need to seek assistance or alternative solutions.

adopting

Highlights the choice and implementation of a new approach or method.

depending on

Emphasizes reliance on a particular course of action given the circumstances.

opting for

Focuses on making a choice from a set of available options.

seeking

Indicates an active search for a solution, highlighting the effort involved.

falling back on

Suggests that a particular measure is being used as a backup or last resort.

FAQs

What does "resorting to" mean?

"Resorting to" means turning to something, especially something bad or unpleasant, because other courses of action have failed or are not available.

When is it appropriate to use "resorting to" in writing?

Use "resorting to" when you want to convey that someone is using a particular method or action as a last option, often because other options have been exhausted or are not viable. It often implies a sense of desperation or that the chosen action is not ideal.

What are some alternatives to "resorting to"?

Alternatives include "turning to", "making use of", or "employing", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "resorting to" effectively in a sentence?

Ensure that the context clearly indicates that the action being described is a secondary option taken after other possibilities have been considered or rejected. For instance, "Faced with dwindling resources, the company was "resorting to" layoffs."