as to when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as to when" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a comparison or to set up a question. For example: "I do not know as to when the event is supposed to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sources are mixed as to when Emmeline Pankhurst was born.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Estimates vary as to when this might be.

The Guardian - Tech

There is little consensus as to when modernity began.

Britannica

"As to when my next album comes out..

The Guardian - Music

He makes no guesses as to when that might be.

The Guardian - Business

As to when to plant, your options are limited.

The New York Times

I avoid any determination as to when life begins.

The New York Times

The results yield insights as to when and why certain selection schemes work best.

Stanford University

In summary, there is no universal truth as to when lambing makes the most sense.

Cornell University

As to when the security interest "attaches," note particularly §9-203 §9-203 1

Harvard University

He didn't have a clue as to when he was actually supposed to begin his work.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as to when", ensure the context clearly indicates a question or uncertainty about the timing of an event. It's often followed by a clause expressing that uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "as to when" in statements that are not expressing uncertainty or inquiry about timing. For example, instead of saying "As to when the meeting will happen, it's next week", use a clearer phrasing like "The meeting will be next week."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as to when" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause that expresses uncertainty or inquiry about a point in time. It's commonly used to set up a question or to indicate a lack of clarity regarding timing. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

32%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as to when" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase used to introduce uncertainty or inquiry about timing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to express a lack of clarity, often prompting further discussion or investigation. It is commonly found in news, academic and scientific contexts. When using "as to when", ensure the context clearly indicates a question or uncertainty about the timing of an event. While versatile, avoid using it in declarative sentences that do not express uncertainty or inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the timing of

Focuses on the timing aspect explicitly.

concerning the date of

Specifically refers to a date, implying more precision.

about the time that

Emphasizes a specific point in time.

in relation to when

Highlights the connection or dependency on a particular time.

with respect to the time of

Adds a formal tone and emphasizes consideration of the time.

in connection with when

Suggests a link or association to a time or event.

pertaining to the moment of

Focuses on a specific moment or instance.

relative to the period when

Indicates a comparison or dependency on a time period.

as regards the hour of

Very specific, narrowing down to a particular hour.

apropos of the temporal aspect of

Highly formal and emphasizes the temporal dimension.

FAQs

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

Use "as to when" to introduce a question or uncertainty about timing. For instance, "There is some debate "as to when" the project will be completed."

What are some alternatives to using "as to when"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "regarding the timing of", "concerning the date of", or "about the time that" as alternatives to "as to when".

Is "as to when" formal or informal?

"As to when" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in writing or in situations where you want to sound more thoughtful or inquisitive. However, depending on context you may use synonyms such as "regarding the timing of" (more formal).

What's the difference between "as to when" and "when"?

"When" simply indicates a point in time, while "as to when" introduces an element of inquiry or uncertainty about a specific time. For example, instead of "I'm unsure when the party starts", you can say "I'm unsure "as to when" the party starts", which emphasizes the uncertainty.