"as to" and "relating to"

Question

Do both have the same meaning and can I use the same way?

eg)

1) It causes a lot of arguments , especially relating to transgenic plants.

2) It causes a lot of arguments , especially as to transgenic plants.

Thnak you in advance!

Enoon · Accepted Answer

I was reluctant to answer this. There is a Standard English we try to cleave to, but it is not well defined. The little words in particular are slippery. What is normal for one educated English speaker is not always normal for another, partly owing to differences of dialect. The broad differences between British English and American English are a big part of the problem, but there are even more. For instance, people well versed in older writing will be more tolerant of locutions that would seem outmoded to everyone else, and might in fact understand turns of phrase that would elude them or use some that would hinder communication.

I think number 2 is wrong. A bare "as to" is for introducing an introductory phrase: "As to transgenic plants, they cause a lot of arguments." If you want to embed it, I'd like to see something more like, "It causes a lot of arguments, especially as it relates to transgenic plants."

I'm not in love with number 1, either. "Relate" carries much of its literal meaning, and it seems inappropriate. I'd like to see "regard": "It causes a lot of arguments, especially regarding transgenic plants."

H M · Answer

I see.
To define what is "normal English" seems difficult...

Anyway, thanks a lot for sharing your opinion and explanation!
I really appreciate that. :-)

CalifJim · Answer

enoonIt causes a lot of arguments, especially regarding transgenic plants.

Among the choices discussed this is also the version that I prefer.

So now you have two votes.

CJ

"as to" and "relating to"

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