What Does “Resort to doing sth” Mean?
The phrase “resort to doing sth” means to do something because there are no other options left. It often refers to taking an action reluctantly or as a last solution.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “resort to doing sth” is commonly used in English to describe situations where someone has no choice but to take a certain action, often something they would prefer to avoid. Understanding the resort to doing sth meaning helps learners express necessity or desperation clearly. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing problem-solving or difficult decisions. Knowing how to use it correctly can improve your English fluency and make your speech or writing sound more natural.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: resort to doing something
- Type: Intransitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To do something as a last option or because there is no other choice
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Resort to” is always followed by a gerund (verb + -ing). It is inseparable, meaning you cannot separate “resort to” and place the object in between.
Correct pattern: resort to + verb-ing
Example: They resorted to asking for help.
How to Use Resort to doing sth?
Use “resort to doing sth” when you want to express that an action is done out of necessity, often reluctantly. It emphasizes that the action is a final choice after other methods have failed.
This phrase is often used in negative or difficult contexts, such as problems, conflicts, or emergencies.
Examples
When negotiations failed, the company resorted to cutting costs drastically.
Here are more examples of resort to doing sth in a sentence:
- After losing all other options, she resorted to borrowing money from friends.
- The government resorted to imposing strict laws to control pollution.
- He didn’t want to argue, but he resorted to raising his voice.
- Sometimes, people resort to lying when they feel cornered.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the structure or use the wrong verb form. Remember that “resort to” must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive or base verb.
- Incorrect: She resorted to borrow money.
Correct: She resorted to borrowing money. - Incorrect: They resort to fight when angry.
Correct: They resort to fighting when angry.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “turn to doing sth” and “fall back on doing sth.”
- Turn to doing sth: Often means to start doing something as a solution, but can be less negative than “resort to.”
- Fall back on doing sth: Also means using a last option, very close in meaning to “resort to.”
“Resort to” usually implies reluctance or desperation more strongly than these synonyms.
Common Collocations
People often use “resort to doing sth” with actions that are undesirable or extreme. Here are common collocations:
- Resort to violence: Using force when other options fail.
- Resort to bribery: Offering money or gifts illegally to get something.
- Resort to lies: Telling untruths as a last option.
- Resort to begging: Asking for help in desperation.
- Resort to cheating: Breaking rules when no other choices are left.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of resort to doing sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation where “resort to doing sth” is used naturally:
Anna: We’ve tried everything to fix the computer, but nothing works.
Ben: I guess we’ll have to resort to calling tech support.
Anna: Yes, I didn’t want to, but it’s our last option.
Practice
Try filling in the blank with the correct form of the verb:
When the negotiations failed, the team had to ______ (resort) ______ (ask) for help.
- a) resort to ask
- b) resort to asking
- c) resort asking
Answer: b) resort to asking
FAQ
- What does “resort to doing sth” mean?
It means to do something as a last option or because there are no other choices. - Is “resort to” separable?
No, “resort to” is inseparable and always followed by a gerund. - Can I say “resort to do something”?
No, the correct form is “resort to doing something.” - When should I use “resort to doing sth”?
Use it when talking about taking an action reluctantly as a last resort. - What are some synonyms for “resort to doing sth”?
Similar phrases include “turn to doing sth” and “fall back on doing sth.”
