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よりほかない・ざるを得ない・しかない: the difference

Meaning

To have no choice but, No other way than, Have to

Past papers

Not yet

Example

ゴルフの解説者かいせつしゃ:「このコースレイアウトだと、刻きざむよりほかないですね。」

Golf commentator: 'If it is this course layout, there is no choice but to lay up the ball.'

Meaning

Can't help doing, Have no choice but

Past papers

Tested 3 times in past papers

Example

サプライズのプレゼントに、驚おどろかざるを得えなかった。

I couldn't help but be surprised at the surprise present.

Meaning

Have no choice but to, Can only

Past papers

Tested 3 times in past papers

Example

人ひとが多おおいから、並ならぶしかない。

Because there are a lot of people, we have no choice but to line up.

How to tell them apart

「よりほかない」: all other options are used up, only one is left; formal.

「ざるを得ない」: very unwilling, but forced by the situation.

「しかない」: the most common in speech, light and direct.

All about よりほかない ›All about ざるを得ない ›All about しかない ›