it was your decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was your decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a choice or judgment made by someone in a past context. Example: "I understand that you are upset, but it was your decision to take that job offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"It was your decision".

The Guardian - Opinion

It was your decision, your vision, your commitment".

The New York Times

It's easier to swallow because it was your decision.

The New York Times

It was your decision that she had to die.

The Guardian

This is India.' But ultimately it was your decision," he said.

The New York Times

"If we're being honest, it was your decision to follow my recommendations that cost you money".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It is YOUR decision when you ask her/him out so don't worry yourself sick, just relax.

WikiHow

He added, "It's your decision".

The New Yorker

"It's your decision," the vet says.

The New Yorker

"It is your decision," he said.

The Washington Post

It's your decision; you're choosing to do it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was your decision" to clearly assign responsibility for an action or outcome, particularly when emphasizing autonomy or potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "it was your decision" when the individual was coerced, misinformed, or lacked the capacity to make a genuine choice. Ensure the person truly had agency in the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was your decision" primarily functions as a statement that attributes responsibility or accountability to someone for a specific choice or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It's often used to remind someone that they have agency over a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

32%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was your decision" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that attributes responsibility for a choice to an individual. As Ludwig AI analysis shows, it serves to emphasize autonomy and ownership, often in situations where consequences are involved. The expression appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Be mindful of the potential for misattribution, ensuring the individual had genuine agency in the decision-making process. Alternative phrasing such as "you made that choice" or "the choice was yours" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

You made that choice

Focuses on the act of choosing itself.

It was up to you

Indicates that the decision was within the person's power.

You're the one who decided

Directly states the person's role in making the decision.

The choice was entirely yours

Stresses the complete freedom in making the decision.

It was your call

Uses 'call' as a synonym for decision, often implying a judgment.

You opted for it

Highlights the voluntary nature of the decision.

The responsibility was yours

Highlights the accountability associated with the decision.

The selection was yours

Formal and emphasizes the person's role in selecting an option.

It rested on your shoulders

Emphasizes the weight of responsibility in making the decision.

You determined the outcome

Focuses on the impact of the decision on the final result.

FAQs

How can I use "it was your decision" in a sentence?

You can use "it was your decision" to emphasize that someone is responsible for the outcome of a choice they made. For example, "I know you're disappointed with the results, but "it was your decision" to invest in that stock."

What's a more formal alternative to "it was your decision"?

In formal contexts, consider using "the choice was yours" or "you elected to proceed". These alternatives maintain the sense of personal responsibility while sounding more professional.

Is it ever inappropriate to say "it was your decision"?

Yes, if the person did not have all the facts or was under duress, it's insensitive to say ""it was your decision"". Instead, focus on the circumstances that led to the choice.

What's the difference between "it was your decision" and "you made a decision"?

"You made a decision" is a neutral statement of fact. "It was your decision" implies that the person is accountable for the consequences of that decision.