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There are some word combinations
that don’t add any substance to a sentence and just
take up room—the compound preposition as to
is one of them. If the sentence is an indirect
question, the combination can usually be deleted
from the sentence, and the sentence will still make
sense without it. Look at the following sentence,
which uses as to ineffectively.
Ex. The detective wondered as
to whether the man stole the
diamonds. (Incorrect)
Now look at the sentence without it:
Ex. The detective wondered
whether the man stole the diamonds. (Correct)
The difference shows a less wordy
sentence that still gives the exact same meaning.
But then there are sentences wherein deleting the
two words would leave you with an incomplete
sentence. In those instances, you could substitute a
much more appropriate preposition. Typically,
about is a common preposition that could
sometimes, but not always, replace
as to.
Ex. Her thoughts as to
his marriage proposal were positive. (Incorrect)
Ex. Her thoughts about
his marriage proposal were positive. (Correct)
The use of about results in a
more precise meaning: it shows exactly what her thoughts are in
respect to. Now let us take a look at another
example wherein a preposition replaces as to:
Ex. The facts as to Bob’s
claim he was abducted by Martians
are questionable. (Incorrect)
Ex. The facts behind
Bob’s claim he was abducted by Martians are
questionable. (Correct)
The preposition used here (behind)
replaces as to while still keeping the
desired effect of the sentence. Behind also
improves the meaning of the sentence, showing a
possible shadiness toward the claim.
Note: There is one way to use
as to that isn’t frowned upon. If
you begin the sentence with as to as a
prepositional phrase that highlights or strengthens
its subject, as to can work.
Ex. As to Fred’s personal
belongings, we believe he should be notified as
soon as possible so that he can pick them up.
(Correct)
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