not my decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not my decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a choice or outcome is not within your control or authority. Example: "I understand your concerns, but ultimately, it's not my decision to make."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's not my decision.

Independent

It was not my decision.

Independent

"This is not my decision".

The New York Times

"That's not my decision," he snapped.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not my decision," Johnny Damon said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not my decision," Phelps said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's not my decision," Testaverde said.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is not my decision," Brown said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not my decision," Karsay said.

The New York Times - Sports

"But that's not my decision to make.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's not my decision to make.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not my decision" to clearly and concisely indicate that you lack the authority or control over a specific situation or outcome. It is appropriate in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear who actually does have the authority. Simply stating "not my decision" without indicating who is responsible can leave the listener confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not my decision" functions as a declarative statement, primarily used to indicate a lack of authority or responsibility regarding a specific choice or outcome. It's a common way to deflect accountability, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not my decision" is a very common phrase used to express a lack of authority or control over a specific decision or outcome. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, although it is most frequently found in news, media and general conversation. While acceptable in formal settings, carefully consider the specific alternatives in order to enhance clarity and convey the exact meaning required. Related phrases include "it's out of my hands" and "it's not up to me".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's out of my hands

Emphasizes a lack of control over the situation.

it's beyond my control

Highlights the inability to influence the outcome.

it's not up to me

Directly states that the decision lies with someone else.

I'm not the one who decides

Clarifies that the speaker is not the decision-maker.

the decision isn't mine

Rephrases the original statement with a slightly different emphasis.

I don't have the authority

Focuses on the lack of official power to make the decision.

it's someone else's call

Indicates that another person is responsible for making the decision.

I have no say in the matter

Expresses a complete lack of influence on the decision.

I'm not in charge of that

Highlights the speaker's lack of responsibility for the decision.

that's above my pay grade

Suggests the decision is handled at a higher level of authority.

FAQs

How can I use "not my decision" in a sentence?

You can use "not my decision" to express that you lack control over a particular outcome. For example, "I understand your frustration, but it's "not my decision" to change the policy."

What are some alternatives to saying "not my decision"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's out of my hands", "it's not up to me", or "it's beyond my control", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "not my decision" in a formal setting?

Yes, "not my decision" is generally acceptable in formal settings, especially when you need to clearly state your lack of authority. However, consider using more professional alternatives like "I lack the authority" or "That decision rests with another department" for increased formality.

What's the difference between "not my decision" and "I disagree with the decision"?

"Not my decision" indicates a lack of control or responsibility. "I disagree with the decision", on the other hand, expresses a difference in opinion but does not necessarily imply a lack of authority. You can disagree with a decision even if it is your decision to make.