What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recourse
Example
The employee had no recourse but to file a complaint with HR. [recourse: noun]
Example
If you have any questions, please feel free to recourse to the manual. [recourse: verb]
expedient
Example
It was expedient to take the shorter route to avoid traffic. [expedient: adjective]
Example
The politician made an expedient decision to gain more votes. [expedient: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recourse is less common than expedient in everyday language. Recourse is often used in legal or formal contexts, while expedient is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recourse and expedient?
Both recourse and expedient can be used in formal contexts. However, recourse is more commonly used in legal or bureaucratic settings, while expedient can be used in a wider range of formal and informal contexts.