up to someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "up to someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a decision or responsibility lies with a particular person. Example: "It's up to someone to decide whether we should proceed with the project or not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rest was up to someone else.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now it's up to someone else to attempt it".

The New York Times

So walk up to someone and break the ice first.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I look at complicated policy, it's up to someone like me to explain things clearly.

The New York Times

Prices aren't published, you have to go up to someone and ask.

The New York Times

"He taught us to walk up to someone and shake their hand," Mr. Bright said.

The New York Times

"There's something qualitatively different in having to walk up to someone and punch them.

The New York Times

What a brave woman, to stand up to someone so much more powerful than herself.

The Washington Post

At a social dance or dance class, I can walk up to someone I've never met before and dance together.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If he cannot run the economy then he should give it up to someone else who can.

University of California, Berkeley

"You open up to someone, and suddenly all these other people walk in too".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "up to someone" to clearly delegate responsibility or decision-making authority. For example, "The final decision is up to the manager."

Common error

Avoid using "up to someone" when the responsibility is shared or unclear. Instead, specify who has the ultimate authority: "The team will decide collaboratively", rather than implying it's solely "up to someone."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up to someone" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating where responsibility or decision-making authority lies. As Ludwig suggests, it specifies the person or entity responsible for a particular action or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "up to someone" is a common prepositional phrase used to assign responsibility or decision-making authority to a specific individual or entity. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. It is important to use the phrase when you want to specify who has the final say, but avoid it when the responsibility is shared or unclear. As Ludwig AI shows, being precise in delegating tasks is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's someone's responsibility

This directly indicates the person who is accountable for a particular task or decision.

it is someone's call

This emphasizes the authority someone has to make a decision.

incumbent on someone

This alternative focuses on the duty or obligation that rests with a particular person.

reliant on someone

This highlights the dependence on a specific person for a particular outcome.

dependent on someone

This suggests a strong reliance where outcomes hinge on another person's actions.

determined by someone

Highlights that the decision or outcome is shaped by a particular individual.

left to someone

Indicates that a task or decision has been entrusted to someone else.

at someone's discretion

Emphasizes that the decision is to be made according to someone's judgment.

discretion lies with someone

Indicates that the power to decide rests with a certain person.

confide in someone

Focuses on the act of entrusting personal information or feelings to another person, slightly shifting from responsibility to reliance and trust.

FAQs

How can I use "up to someone" in a sentence?

Use "up to someone" to indicate that a decision, choice, or responsibility rests with a particular person. For instance, "It's "up to someone" to decide if we proceed" means the decision is theirs alone.

What's a more formal way to say "up to someone"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "incumbent on someone" or "it is someone's responsibility" instead of ""up to someone"" to convey a sense of duty or accountability.

Is it correct to say "It's up to me" or "It's up to myself"?

While both express responsibility, "It's "up to me"" is the standard and grammatically correct form. "It's up to myself" is generally not used.

What does it mean when something is described as "up to someone"?

It means that the individual has the power, authority, or duty to make a decision or take a particular action. For example, "Whether to accept the offer is "up to someone"" signifies they have the final say.