I have recently come across this phrase "it's down to us" - which i suppose it means the same as " it's up to us". I am just wondering how common it is used and if it's more on written English or spoken English?
2006-08-09 21:42:37 · 10 answers · asked by didi 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Its down to us and its up to us are pretty much the same. However, it feels like there is a small difference, I think 'Its down to us', means others have tried and failed, whereas 'Its up to us' means that no-one else has tried yet.
2006-08-16 03:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm an American / Dutch and speak American / English the phrase
'' it's down to us '' would mean '' its below our standards '' or '' need to look more into it ''. This phrase would be used in British Eng. and I think more spoken than written because its directly approached.
The American English phrase '' its up to us'' would mean taking a decision and would be situation that brings us to a level..meeting with a point. But it doesn't have to be water tight. If you were on a Plan with an open mind it would be used in a conference to meet . A good discussion.
2006-08-09 22:17:10 · answer #2 · answered by Carmen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This phrase is used in both the British and American media, but with less frequency than the more common, "It's up to us". It is used both in formal writing (newspapers and periodicals) and in spoken English.
2006-08-09 21:50:32 · answer #3 · answered by Perplexed Music Lover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spoken English. And I think it is considered American English
2006-08-16 21:58:25 · answer #4 · answered by tombraider 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you're right, it means the same as "it's up to us", but not as common. I don't think the differentiation is one of spoken vs written english, more one of personal preference, although there may be regional tendencies to use "down" vs "up".
2006-08-10 03:51:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"It's Down to us" indicates that all other options have been tried and failed, and you are all that's left to deal with it.
"It's Up to us" indicates that you have made the decision to give it a try BEFORE it becomes the only option you have.
Not knowing many British people, or being familiar with the vernaculars of that country, I have no idea if these phrases are used more often in England Or in America. Sorry I couldn't be more help to you.
2006-08-09 21:51:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Down to us has the same meaning but has a different history to it.
Down to us means; we are the only ones left to do it.
It has been around 'forever'.
2006-08-09 21:48:31 · answer #7 · answered by Puppy Zwolle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its common to both written and spoken
2006-08-17 07:17:03 · answer #8 · answered by spooky_bebun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"It's down to us" has a more dramatic connotation than "It's up to us." It implies we're the last hope. This is it. No more chances.
"It's up to us" implies no one else wants to do it, so we got stuck with it.
2006-08-10 02:13:28 · answer #9 · answered by AJK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its mean u r over him and he is enjoying
2006-08-17 20:36:08 · answer #10 · answered by HKT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋