as to what

USAGE SUMMARY

"as to what" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to introduce a topic, and is often followed by a question. For example, "As to what he plans to do, does anyone know?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But sometimes there is confusion as to what constitutes:.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Few data exist as to what constitutes optimal management.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

As to what it means, opinions vary.

The Guardian - Tech

And as to what it means?

The Guardian - Tech

Explanations vary as to what actually happened.

The Washington Post

As to what happens next, who knows?

The Guardian - Music

As to what exactly, he's keeping stumm.

The Guardian

He is worryingly vague as to what constitutes torture.

The Economist

He schemed as to what it would be.

The Economist

As to what followed, accounts differ to this day.

The New Yorker

Such occasions offer limited insight as to what will follow.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as to what" to introduce a question or topic that requires clarification or further explanation. It often sets the stage for a discussion or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "as to what" in informal contexts where a simpler phrase like "about what" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as to what" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a clause, typically a question or statement requiring further clarification. It often serves to specify the subject or area of uncertainty. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples demonstrating its use in initiating discussion or inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as to what" is a versatile prepositional phrase that introduces questions or topics needing clarification, commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and useful for introducing a topic. While more formal, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding stilted in informal situations. Alternatives like "regarding what" or "concerning what" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Being aware of these nuances will help you effectively employ "as to what" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding what

Replaces "as to" with "regarding", maintaining a formal tone but slightly altering the focus.

concerning what

Substitutes "as to" with "concerning", keeping the sense of addressing a specific topic.

in regards to what

Adds "in regards", making the phrase slightly more verbose but emphasizing the connection to a topic.

with respect to what

Employs "with respect to", creating a more formal and distanced tone.

about what

Uses a simpler preposition, "about", making the phrase less formal.

pertaining to what

Replaces "as to" with the more formal "pertaining to", suggesting a direct relevance.

in terms of what

Focuses on the specific aspects or conditions being considered.

relative to what

Highlights the comparative or proportional relationship to a subject.

on the subject of what

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the introduction of a subject.

when it comes to what

Introduces a specific context or situation, slightly shifting the focus from a direct topic.

FAQs

How can I use "as to what" in a sentence?

"As to what" is often used to introduce a question or a topic requiring further explanation. For example, you might say, "There is some debate "as to what constitutes democracy"" or "I'm curious "as to what is going to happen"".

What are some alternatives to "as to what"?

Alternatives to "as to what" include phrases like "regarding what", "concerning what", or, in less formal contexts, "about what". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as to what" formal or informal?

"As to what" is generally considered more formal. In casual conversation, phrases like "about what" might be more appropriate. In academic or professional writing, "as to what" is perfectly acceptable.

What is the difference between "as to what" and "regarding what"?

While both phrases are similar, "as to what" often introduces a question or uncertainty, while "regarding what" simply indicates the topic of discussion. For example, "I'm uncertain as to what the statement means" versus "I have some information regarding what they do".