was resorted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was resorted to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a particular action or method was used as a last resort or alternative. Example: "When all other options failed, the team was resorted to using the backup plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We are also told, however, that abortion was practiced in Greek times as well as in the Roman Era, and that 'it was resorted to without scruple.' " Roe overturned laws passed by state legislatures by appealing to ancient history.

The New Yorker

In order to deduce moral lessons from the Bible, allegorization was resorted to, as when the Letter of Barnabas (c. ad 100) interprets the Levitical food laws prescribed in the book of Leviticus as forbidding not the flesh of certain animals but the vices imaginatively associated with the animals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So far, large scale beneficiation was resorted to coking coals only for steel making purposes.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

And moreover, the orthogonal design method, i.e. the combination design of general rotary method, was resorted to model the variations of the independent frequency and amplitude of different simulated harmonic signals in the cutting and tool feeding directions.

Applied Surface Science

Boiling was resorted to only for young children and sick adults.

BMC Public Health

In addition, the use of respiratory medications before starting tiotropium was resorted to in order to characterise the severity of the respiratory disease (see online supplementary table S1).

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Soon Simon was resorting to sliding wide and chipping returns.

The New York Times

Pieter Mulder, leader of the FF Plus, said Zuma was resorting to "scapegoat politics".

The Guardian

Weatherill said the treasurer was clearly out of ideas if he was resorting to personal insults.

The Guardian

Just one year ago thIS writer was resorting to Chuck Berry parodies in lieu of saying anything about Zach Randolph, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was resorted to", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action was taken as a secondary option or when other methods were unavailable. This strengthens the impact and clarifies the intent behind the phrase.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "was resorted to". While grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to active voice where appropriate for a more engaging and direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was resorted to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a specific action or method was employed, often as a secondary or last-resort option. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that this passive construction is grammatically correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was resorted to" is a grammatically sound and acceptable construction in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is used to indicate that a particular action or method was employed as a secondary or last-resort option. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the secondary nature of the action. Consider using alternatives like "was utilized" or "was employed" to avoid overusing passive voice. The most common error is overuse of passive voice. Remember to use active voice when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was utilized

Focuses on the act of using something for a specific purpose, without necessarily implying it was a last resort.

was employed

Similar to "was utilized", but can also suggest a more systematic or formal use.

was applied

Emphasizes the action of putting something into effect, often in a practical or technical context.

was implemented

Highlights the process of putting a plan or system into operation.

was adopted

Suggests a conscious decision to choose and use a particular method or approach.

was turned to

Indicates a shift in focus or reliance towards a particular option or strategy.

was fallen back on

Strongly implies that the option was used as a backup when other methods failed.

was had recourse to

A more formal and less common way of saying something was used as a last resort.

was sought after

Suggests that something was looked for to be helpful for a situation. Doesn't directly imply as a last resort.

was looked to

Emphasizes the act of relying on someone or something for help or support.

FAQs

How can I use "was resorted to" in a sentence?

Use "was resorted to" to indicate that a particular action or method was used as a last option. For example: "When all other options failed, mediation "was resorted to"."

What are some alternatives to "was resorted to"?

You can use alternatives such as "was utilized", "was employed", or "was applied" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was resorted to"?

While "was resorted to" is in the passive voice, consider whether active voice might be more direct and engaging. Instead of "Mediation was resorted to", you could say "They resorted to mediation". The best choice depends on the desired emphasis and style.

What's the difference between "was resorted to" and "was used"?

"Was used" is a general term for employing something. "Was resorted to" implies that the action or method was chosen as a secondary or final option, often after other methods had failed. Therefore, "was resorted to" carries a stronger sense of necessity or limited options.