the ball's in their court vs so the ball's in their court

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'The ball's in their court' is a common expression meaning that it is now up to someone else to make a decision or take action. 'So the ball's in their court' is also correct but adds a bit of emphasis or transition to the statement.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 535 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that it is now someone else's turn to make a decision or take action.

"the ball's in their court"

This phrase is used to convey that the responsibility or decision-making power now lies with someone else.

Examples:

I've done all I can to help them, so now the ball's in their court.
We've made our offer, so the ball's in their court to respond.
The decision has been made, and now the ball's in their court to act on it.

Show examples from the web [+]

For example: We've offered him ten thousand dollars a month, so the ball's in his court now. They know our position, so the ball's in their court. If they want to ...
Well I gave them all the information I could, and now the ball's in their court. To have to do something before any progress can be made in a situation. A balls up.
Feb 25, 2016 ... The ball's in their court. High Court judges Justice VM Kanade, Justice RM Savant and senior advocate Rajiv Patil indulge in a little after-hours ...
Mar 24, 2016 ... Oilers' McLellan on Potential Retribution From Sharks: 'The Ball's In Their Court'. SAN JOSE — On the eve of the Sharks first meeting with the ...

Alternatives:

the decision is up to them now
it's their move
the next step is in their hands
the onus is on them
it's their turn to decide

This phrase is also correct and adds a bit of emphasis or transition to the statement. It is used to highlight that the responsibility or decision-making power now lies with someone else.

"so the ball's in their court"

This phrase is used to emphasize or transition to the fact that the responsibility or decision-making power now lies with someone else.

Examples:

We've presented our proposal, so the ball's in their court to make a decision.
She has all the information she needs, so the ball's in their court to take action.
The project has been completed, so the ball's in their court to review and approve.

Show examples from the web [+]

For example: We've offered him ten thousand dollars a month, so the ball's in his court now. They know our position, so the ball's in their court. If they want to ...
Apr 11, 2016 ... ... committee already said it wouldn't meet with an Obama nominee no matter what under any circumstances, so the ball's in their court.
Jun 10, 2010 ... “It's up to Paramount,” he said. “They got to get their heads out of their you-know- whats and make that a reality. So the ball's in their court.” ...
Aug 11, 2012 ... So the ball's in their court (no pun intended). If you want to respond to the summons, I'll pass on a bit of advice I heard from a friend who has 2 ...

Alternatives:

therefore, it's up to them now
consequently, it's their move
hence, the next step is in their hands
thus, the onus is on them
accordingly, it's their turn to decide

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the ball's in their court vs so the ball's in their court