"Where are you from" is more common (at least in U.S. English).
In my opinion, this is the preferred option when meeting someone new.
The difference is a bit more emphasis on the verb "to be/are" instead of the action of "coming/being from" somewhere as is common in other languages. The meaning is identical though.
1) "Where are you from?" implies that you want to know what city/state/country they consider "home," and that you assume it's someplace other than where you are right now. This may be confusing, since where someone is "from" isn't necessarily where they live. It also can be embarrassing to assume, for example, that a person of a certain ethnic background must "come from" some other place. It might be a good idea to separate the idea of "what is your family/ethnic background?" from "where do you live right now?"
"Where are you from?"
"I'm originally from Oslo, Norway, but I live in Chicago."
2)
"Where do you come from" sounds kind of awkward and outdated. I think this is because it includes the present-tense verb "do" in a question about a past-tense action (coming from somewhere). This is perfectly understandable and you can say this if you prefer - I'd still suggest the other way though.
"Where do you come from?"
"I come from a land beyond the sea, overrun by trolls and dragons!"
3) "Where did you come from" would be correct if you want to know "where were you immediately before you came to this location we're at right now?" This can also be used to express surprise at the person's sudden arrival or unexpected actions.
"Where did you come from?"
"I was next door, but now I'm here to rescue you!"
The government has spent a great deal of money attempting to help the region.
is the best sounding choice to me. Probably context has a lot to do with it.
For example, big is better here:
I don't really care about failing the exam. It's no big deal, really.
And the last example (including a different grammar correction):
It was time for her to make the big decision. Should she agree to marry him?
or
It was time for her to make the big decision should she agree to marry him.
But in another context:
You made a lot of money. That was a great decision.
In these kinds of examples, great refers to something very positive or beneficial (or very negative or disasterous), while "big" has more to do with the importance of something (as in the marriage decision).
Best Answer
"You can go first." The word can implies that you are giving the person the option to do or not do a certain action. "You go first." Removing it implies that you are giving order or forcing someone to do something. You are not giving that person the choice of not doing it.