it was down to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was down to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the reason or cause of something, often in a context where a decision or outcome is being explained. Example: "The success of the project was down to the hard work and dedication of the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then it was down to business.

Independent

Ultimately it was down to me.

Independent

Ultimately it was down to good bowling".

The Guardian - Sport

In August it was down to 20 percent.

The New York Times

This summer it was down to 20 percent.

The New York Times

Now it was down to Bopara.

The Guardian - Sport

It was down to his shoulders now.

The New York Times

Then it was down to two.

The Guardian - Sport

It was down to poor execution".

The Guardian - Sport

It was down to the manager".

The Guardian - Sport

Within 10 years it was down to 59.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was down to" to clearly attribute a result to a specific cause or factor, especially when explaining decisions or outcomes. For example, "The project's success was down to the team's dedication".

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying complex situations by attributing them solely to one factor when multiple elements were involved. Instead of saying "The failure was down to lack of funding", consider "The failure was primarily due to a combination of inadequate funding and poor planning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was down to" functions as a causal connector, indicating that a particular outcome or result was determined by a specific factor. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples illustrating its use in attributing causes and responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was down to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the reason or cause of a particular outcome. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in News & Media, and its suitability for various registers, predominantly neutral and professional contexts. When writing, it's important to use "it was down to" to clearly attribute causes, and to avoid oversimplifying complex situations. Alternative phrases like "it depended on" or "it resulted from" can be used for variety. Ludwig confirms the reliability and usability of this phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it came down to

This option indicates that the outcome was ultimately determined by a specific factor after a period of consideration or process.

it hinged on

This alternative emphasizes the critical dependence of an outcome on a particular factor.

it depended on

This phrase highlights the conditionality of a result based on a specific element.

it resulted from

This option focuses on the outcome being a direct consequence of something else.

it was a consequence of

This phrase indicates that something happened as a result or effect of a previous action or situation.

it stemmed from

This suggests that the situation originated or developed from a particular source or cause.

it boiled down to

This alternative conveys that the issue was simplified to its most essential element.

it was attributable to

This suggests that a particular cause can be assigned or credited for a specific effect or result.

the reason was

This is a direct and straightforward way to indicate the cause or explanation for something.

the cause was

Similar to "the reason was", this phrase specifically points to the origin of an event or situation.

FAQs

What does "it was down to" mean?

The phrase "it was down to" means that a particular outcome or result was caused or determined by a specific factor or reason. It emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between the identified element and the final result.

How can I use "it was down to" in a sentence?

You can use "it was down to" to explain the primary reason for a specific result or outcome. For example, "The victory "it was down to" the goalkeeper's outstanding performance" or "The delay "it was down to" unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was down to"?

You can use alternatives like "it depended on", "it resulted from", or "it came down to depending on the context.

Is "it's down to" different from "it was down to"?

"It's down to" indicates a current or future responsibility or cause, while "it was down to" refers to a past cause or reason. For example, "It's down to you to finish the project" implies a current obligation, whereas "The success "it was down to" teamwork" explains a past achievement.