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Surfer Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

come down to ..

Hello, ..

I know of constructs following the pattern come down to sth., but is it OK to say that something comes down to someone (instead of something)?

For example, can I say:
"Usually, it ultiamtely comes down to Alfred, and he decides whether we proceed with a given plan or not, for he is boss.. ."

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Yes, that's OK. he is the boss "for" in the sense of "because" is quite formal and literary-sounding. It is not usual in everyday English.

— GPY

  • Yes, that's OK.
  • he is the boss "for" in the sense of "because" is quite formal and literary-sounding.
  • It is not usual in everyday English.
  • "since he's the boss" or "as he's the boss" would be OK in conversational English.
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4 Answers
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Yes, that's OK.

he is the boss

"for" in the sense of "because" is quite formal and literary-sounding. It is not usual in everyday English. "since he's the boss" or "as he's the boss" would be OK in conversational English.
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Hi..

Is it in no context acceptable that the there be omitted? I intentionally left it out as I wasn't addressing a real/actual position but rather a quality in him.. .

Thank you.
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SurferIs it in no context acceptable that the there be omitted? I intentionally left it out as I wasn't addressing a real/actual position but rather a quality in him.. .
"boss" is a singular countable noun, so it normally needs an article or other determiner. However, there is an idiomatic sense in which "the" can be dropped and so you can say "He is boss". I
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Thank you very much.
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