Understanding "Resort" as a Verb
The word "resort" can be a little tricky, especially when you encounter it as a verb. Unlike its more common noun form, which refers to a place for vacation or recreation, "resort" as a verb carries a specific, and sometimes slightly negative, connotation. It means to turn to or make use of something, often as a last recourse or a drastic measure, when other options have failed or are unavailable.
Think of it as reaching for something when you're in a bind. It's not usually the first thing you'd choose, but rather something you fall back on out of necessity or desperation.
The Core Meaning: Turning to a Solution
At its heart, "to resort to" means to use or do something, typically something unpleasant or undesirable, because you are in a difficult situation and have no other choice. It implies a deliberate action taken when faced with limited options.
Key Phrases and Structures
The verb "resort" is almost always used in conjunction with the preposition "to." The typical structure is:
Subject + resort + to + (noun/gerund phrase)
Let's break this down with examples.
Examples in Action: Illustrating the Verb "Resort"
Here are some detailed examples showing how "resort" is used as a verb in various contexts:
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Describing a desperate measure:
When faced with insurmountable debt, the company was forced to resort to selling off its most valuable assets.
In this sentence, "resorting to selling assets" isn't a happy or preferred choice. It's a drastic step taken because of a dire financial situation.
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Illustrating illegal or unethical behavior:
The politician was accused of resorting to smear tactics to win the election.
Here, "resorting to smear tactics" implies that the politician chose dishonest and unfair methods because they believed it was the only way to achieve victory.
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Showing a last resort:
If all else fails, we may have to resort to legal action.
This signifies that legal action is the final option, something to be pursued only after exhausting all other avenues for resolution.
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Using it with an action:
The rebels threatened to resort to violence if their demands were not met.
This shows that violence is being considered as an extreme measure to force compliance.
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When other options are exhausted:
After weeks of fruitless negotiations, the union decided to resort to a strike.
A strike is a significant action, and the phrasing suggests it was a decision made only after other attempts at agreement failed.
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In a more personal context:
When feeling overwhelmed, she would sometimes resort to comfort eating.
This implies that comfort eating is a coping mechanism she uses when she doesn't have other, perhaps healthier, ways of dealing with her emotions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common pitfall is using "resort" as a verb without "to." Remember, the preposition "to" is almost always essential when "resort" is functioning as a verb.
Another mistake is using it to describe positive or routine actions. You wouldn't typically say, "I resort to going to the gym every day." You might say, "I go to the gym every day," or if you were trying to emphasize it as a necessary habit for your health, perhaps, "I've had to make going to the gym a habit." The verb "resort" implies a less desirable, more compelled choice.
When is "Resort" *Not* a Verb?
It's important to distinguish the verb "resort" from its noun form:
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Noun Usage:
We're planning a vacation at a ski resort in Colorado.
Here, "resort" is a place.
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Noun Usage (as a last hope):
Bankruptcy was their last resort.
In this case, "resort" is a noun meaning a final option or recourse.
The verb form always involves an action taken out of necessity or a limited set of choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you know when "resort" is being used as a verb?
You can generally tell if "resort" is a verb by its placement in the sentence and its relationship with the word "to." If it's followed by "to" and describes an action being taken because of a difficult situation, it's likely being used as a verb. For example, "They had to resort to lying" shows an action taken out of necessity.
Why is "resort to" often associated with negative actions?
The verb "resort to" implies that the action taken is not ideal or is a last choice. It suggests that other, more desirable options were unavailable or unsuccessful. Therefore, the actions you "resort to" are often those that are unpleasant, extreme, or even undesirable, as they represent a fallback rather than a first choice.
Can "resort" be used as a verb without "to"?
In standard American English, the verb "resort" is almost exclusively used with the preposition "to." You will rarely, if ever, see it used as a transitive verb (a verb that takes a direct object) in this context. So, always look for "resort to" when it's acting as a verb.
What's the difference between using "resort to" and simply "use"?
While both involve employing something, "resort to" carries a stronger implication of necessity or a lack of better alternatives. If you "use" a tool, it's a straightforward action. If you "resort to" using a tool, it suggests that you're using it because it's the only option left or because the situation demands it, possibly implying it's not the ideal tool for the job.
