without resort to

USAGE SUMMARY

"without resort to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express that something will be done without relying on a certain action or resource. For example, "We will be able to successfully complete the project without resort to external assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pest infestation can be controlled without resort to dangerous chemicals.

The New York Times

They hope that the problems of China can be solved gradually without resort to violence.

The New York Times

Disputes are settled by arbitral organs without resort to the courts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Healing occurs without resort to surgery in most cases, often with some physical disability and sterility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We introduce a novel physical method to ascertain gas-liquid kinetic parameters without resort to wet chemistry.

Chemical Engineering Science

The family wishes to resolve this matter promptly, without resort to the court, if possible.

The New York Times

However, appropriate application of current surgical techniques (synchronously or sequentially) may achieve cure in most patients without resort to tracheostomy.

Sleep Medicine Reviews

Taiwan will return to the motherland without resort to the missiles and increasingly powerful armed forces ranged against it.

The Economist

Using this model, the settling velocity of a suspension at substantial volume fraction can be calculated without resort to empirically determined factors.

Chemical Engineering Science

Almost all college administrators have dealt with their problems and pro tected their institutions without resort to force.

The New York Times

But Salvatore Giuliano has never been bettered as an interpretation of history without resort to special pleading.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without resort to" to clearly indicate that a specific action or resource is not necessary to achieve a particular outcome. This can strengthen your argument by showing efficiency or resourcefulness.

Common error

While "without resort to" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in overly informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "without using" or "without needing" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without resort to" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the absence of reliance on a specific action, method, or resource to achieve a particular outcome. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without resort to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase indicating that something is achieved or done without the need for a particular action or resource. As Ludwig AI confirms, its application spans various contexts, from news and media to science and academia. While leaning toward the formal side, it remains versatile enough for neutral use. Alternatives like "without using" or "without recourse to" can be considered based on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to ensure clarity and appropriateness for your intended audience when incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without recourse to

This alternative is a direct synonym, often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate not needing to use a particular legal action or entitlement.

without using

This option is a more general and straightforward alternative, suitable for most contexts where "without resort to" is used. It emphasizes the absence of use.

without employing

This is a more formal alternative to "without using", suggesting a deliberate choice not to use a particular method or tool.

independent of

This phrase shifts the focus to independence from a particular factor, highlighting that the outcome is not contingent on something.

avoiding the need for

This alternative emphasizes the avoidance of a requirement, highlighting the benefit of not needing something.

without the necessity of

This is a more verbose and formal way of saying "without needing", adding emphasis to the lack of requirement.

bypassing

This alternative suggests circumventing a particular step or process, indicating a more active avoidance.

neglecting

This suggests an intentional disregard or omission of something, often implying that it's not important or necessary.

eschewing

This is a more formal and less common term, meaning to deliberately avoid or abstain from something, often for moral or aesthetic reasons.

dispensing with

This phrase implies getting rid of or doing away with something, often suggesting that it's unnecessary or burdensome.

FAQs

How can I use "without resort to" in a sentence?

You can use "without resort to" to indicate that something is achieved or done without needing a specific action or resource. For example, "The problem was solved "without resort to" external assistance".

What are some alternatives to "without resort to"?

Alternatives include "without using", "without employing", or "without recourse to", depending on the context.

Is "without resort to" formal or informal?

"Without resort to" leans towards the formal side but can be used in neutral contexts as well. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "without resort to" and "without resorting to"?

While similar in meaning, "without resort to" is generally preferred. "Without resorting to" implies a more active decision to avoid something, whereas "without resort to" simply indicates that it wasn't needed.