What Does โResort to sthโ Mean?
โResort to sthโ means to use something, especially a method or option, when other choices have failed or are not available.
Introduction
The phrasal verb resort to sth is commonly used when someone takes a last option or turns to a particular action after all else has failed. It often implies a choice that is not ideal but necessary. Understanding resort to sth meaning helps you express situations where people rely on something reluctantly, such as rules, force, or help. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal settings, helping learners speak about problem-solving or difficult decisions clearly.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: resort to something
- Type: Intransitive (requires an object after โtoโ)
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To turn to a final or desperate option
Structure (Grammar Rules)
Resort to sth is inseparable. You cannot separate โresortโ and โto.โ The pattern is:
resort to + noun/gerund
Examples:
- They resorted to violence.
- We had to resort to calling a technician.
How to Use Resort to sth?
Use resort to sth when talking about using a last option, often reluctantly. It usually involves something less desirable or more extreme than preferred choices. The object after โtoโ can be a noun or gerund (verb+ing).
It is often used in negative or difficult contexts, such as:
- Resorting to force in a conflict
- Resorting to borrowing money
- Resorting to cheating on a test
Examples
When negotiations fail, companies sometimes resort to sth to solve problems.
- The government resorted to strict laws to control the situation.
- She had no choice but to resort to borrowing money from friends.
- In the absence of evidence, the police resorted to questioning witnesses.
- They resorted to old-fashioned methods to fix the machine.
- Faced with a deadline, he resorted to working overnight.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the phrase by separating โresortโ and โtoโ or using it without an object.
- Incorrect: They resorted violence.
- Correct: They resorted to violence.
- Incorrect: I will resort for help.
- Correct: I will resort to help.
Differences / Synonyms
Resort to sth is similar to โturn toโ or โfall back on,โ but it often implies a less desirable or last option.
- Turn to: Can mean to seek help or advice, not always last option.
- Fall back on: Similar to resort to, but often used for support or resources.
- Resort to: Usually implies reluctantly choosing something extreme or undesirable.
Common Collocations
We often use certain words with resort to sth to describe what is being used as the last option.
- Violence: Using force when peaceful methods fail.
- Bribery: Offering money or gifts to get what you want.
- Cheating: Breaking rules to succeed.
- Borrowing: Taking money temporarily.
- Help: Seeking assistance when other options fail.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of resort to sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a conversation where two friends discuss a problem:
Anna: We canโt fix the car ourselves. What should we do?
Ben: I guess weโll have to resort to calling a mechanic.
Anna: I hoped we wouldnโt need to, but youโre right.
Practice
Choose the best answer to complete the sentence:
After many failed attempts, they finally _______ to asking for help.
- a) resorted to
- b) resorted
- c) resorting to
Answer: a) resorted to
FAQ
- What does โresort to sthโ mean?
It means to use a last or desperate option when other choices fail.
- Is โresort toโ separable?
No, โresort toโ is inseparable and must stay together.
- Can I use a verb after โresort toโ?
Yes, use the gerund form (verb+ing) after โresort to.โ
- Is โresort toโ always negative?
Usually it implies a reluctant or last choice, often in negative contexts.
- What are common words used with โresort toโ?
Violence, bribery, cheating, borrowing, or help are common objects.
