when all else fails

USAGE SUMMARY

"when all else fails" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which all other options have been exhausted, and the only remaining solution is to be tried. For example: "When all else fails, I try to take a few deep breaths and focus on the problem at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When all else fails, try a compliment.

The New York Times - Tech

When all else fails, tune everything out.

The New Yorker

WHEN all else fails, agree on biofuels.

The Economist

When all else fails, travel!

The New York Times

When all else fails, gold.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When all else fails, whack someone.

The New York Times

When all else fails, check the Web.

The New York Times - Tech

And when all else fails, sell your assets, right?

The New York Times

And when all else fails, bring a book.

The New York Times

When all else fails, we're going for major league optimism.

The New York Times

When all else fails, you start to save".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when all else fails" to signal a final course of action or solution after other attempts have been made. It's best used to indicate a sense of resignation or a last-ditch effort.

Common error

Avoid using "when all else fails" as a first resort. This phrase indicates that other options have been exhausted, so ensure it reflects the context accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when all else fails" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb by indicating the circumstances under which an action is taken. It introduces a condition that triggers the action described in the main clause. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when all else fails" is a very common adverbial clause used to introduce a final option after other attempts have been unsuccessful. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, ensure that the use of the phrase accurately reflects that other options have indeed been exhausted. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "as a last resort" or "when all avenues are exhausted". Remember that using this phrase signals a final course of action, so it should not be used as a first or primary solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a last resort

This alternative focuses on the idea of something being the final option.

as a final measure

This alternative emphasizes the action being a calculated and deliberate final step.

if everything else doesn't work

This alternative is a more explicit and descriptive way of conveying the same meaning.

if all else is unsuccessful

A straightforward rephrasing using "unsuccessful" to describe previous attempts.

when there's no other option

This alternative highlights the lack of alternatives, forcing the final action.

in the worst-case scenario

This alternative emphasizes the negative circumstances leading to the final action.

when all avenues are exhausted

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the thoroughness of previous attempts.

at the end of the line

This idiom conveys that all other attempts have been exhausted.

if push comes to shove

This idiom suggests a situation escalating to a point where a drastic measure is needed.

in the ultimate extremity

This alternative phrase is more dramatic and emphasizes the severity of the situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when all else fails" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases like "as a last resort" or "when all avenues are exhausted" to convey a more formal tone depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "when all else fails" in professional writing?

Yes, "when all else fails" is appropriate in professional writing, especially when discussing contingency plans or backup strategies. However, consider alternatives like "as a final measure" for a more polished tone.

What does "when all else fails" imply about previous actions?

The phrase "when all else fails" implies that multiple attempts or solutions have been tried and proven unsuccessful. It indicates that the following action is a final attempt or a fallback plan.

Can I use "if all else fails" interchangeably with "when all else fails"?

Yes, "if all else fails" and "when all else fails" are often interchangeable. However, "when all else fails" might suggest a greater degree of certainty that other options have been exhausted, while "if all else fails" is more conditional.