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Formation: V-dictionary + よりほか（は）ない; V-dictionary + よりほかにない; V-dictionary + よりほかに（方法／道）はない; shorter: V-dictionary + ほかない (ほか also written 他／外)

Says that every other option has been ruled out and only this action is left, often with a tone of resignation or grim resolve. It is more formal and written than 〜しかない, which means the same and is the everyday choice. Compare 〜ざるを得ない, which stresses being pushed against your will. 〜を余儀なくされる is a formal passive used when outside circumstances force an action. 〜ようがない says something cannot be done at all, while 〜よりほかない says one thing is the only thing left to do. The pattern N + よりほかに〜ない, as in 彼よりほかに頼れる人はいない, means 'no one or nothing but X'.

Variants: 〜よりほかはない、〜よりほかにない、〜ほかない、〜よりほかに方法はない

Examples

• 終電を逃した以上、歩いて帰るよりほかない。
  Now that I've missed the last train, there's nothing for it but to walk home.
• 薬が効かないなら、手術を受けるよりほかはない。
  If the medicine doesn't work, surgery is the only option left.
• 交渉が決裂した今、法的手段に訴えるよりほかにない。
  With negotiations broken down, we have no choice but to take legal action.

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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