as to what kind of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as to what kind of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when seeking clarification or specification about the type or category of something. Example: "I am uncertain as to what kind of assistance you require for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

My answer as to what kind of abortion bill I could sign was a bill one that recognized an abortion was is the taking of a human life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Consult with the member prior to their arrival as to what kind of celebration they want (if any).

WikiHow

People are studying Sukarno for clues as to what kind of leader his daughter would make.

The New York Times

Mostly, the two engage in a nonstop debate as to what kind of film Dara ought to make.

The New York Times - Books

Thus the current account gives information about people's decisions as to what kind of assets to hold.

The Economist

This is a decision as to what kind of America you are going to hand to your children and grandchildren.

The New York Times

"It had him mixed up as to what kind of a film this really was going to be".

The New York Times

Depending on when you're reading this column, economists have a pretty good guess as to what kind of mood you're in.

The New York Times - Magazine

A BBC spokesman said: "Anyone listening to what we say can be in no doubt as to what kind of organisation this is.

Independent

In fact, we got an early clue as to what kind of place St . Louisis during our first summer here, at a Cardinals-Cubs game.

The New York Times

"We don't have a program as to what kind of economic reform we want," said Nabil Sukkar, a business consultant and former World Bank economist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarity about the characteristics of a subject, using "as to what kind of" can provide a structured approach to your inquiry. Ensure the context necessitates a formal tone for appropriate usage.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "as to what kind of" in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "what kind of" or "about what type of" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as to what kind of" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an indirect question or specifying a particular attribute or characteristic. It sets the stage for inquiring about the type, nature, or quality of something, often leading into a subordinate clause. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as to what kind of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces inquiries about the nature or type of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in register, it can lean towards formality, making it suitable for diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal writing. When a less formal tone is required, alternatives like "regarding the type of" or "what kind of" may be more appropriate. The high frequency across various authoritative sources underscores its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pertaining to the sort of

This is an alternative that is closely related, with only minor differences, it changes "kind" to "sort".

regarding the type of

This alternative uses "regarding" for a more direct reference, slightly altering the tone.

concerning the nature of

This option focuses on the inherent qualities or characteristics, which makes it more formal.

regarding the character of

This variation emphasizes the distinctive qualities of something and introduces the concept of "character".

in relation to the class of

The alternative uses "in relation", resulting in a more formal tone to indicate connection or reference.

with respect to the variety of

This option uses "with respect to", shifting the tone to be more deferential or formal while also speaking about variety.

concerning what species of

This alternative is more specific to biological or scientific contexts, focusing on classification.

in terms of the style of

This focuses on the manner or method in which something is done or presented, so introduces the concept of "style".

relative to the form of

This alternative emphasizes the structure or shape, changing the context to form or structure.

considering the brand of

This option shifts the focus to a specific make or manufacturer, specifying that the type is related to the brand.

FAQs

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

Use "as to what kind of" when you need to inquire about the nature, type, or characteristics of something in a somewhat formal way. For example: "There is conflicting information as to what kind of discipline Tagliabue would be able to levy against Policy."

What phrases are similar to "as to what kind of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "regarding the type of", "concerning the nature of", or "pertaining to the sort of", which can be used depending on the desired level of formality and specific nuance.

Is it always necessary to use "as to what kind of" in formal writing?

No, while appropriate in formal contexts, it is not always necessary. Simpler constructions like "what type of" or "what sort of" can often convey the same meaning more directly without sacrificing clarity. Choose the phrasing that best suits the overall tone and style of your writing. Also consider "regarding the type of".

When should I avoid using "as to what kind of"?

Avoid using "as to what kind of" in informal conversations or casual writing where a more direct and less formal phrasing is preferred. In such cases, simpler alternatives like "what kind of" or "what type of" are more suitable.