Here, "as to" for "on the subject to" or "with regard to"?

Question

Hello,The following all are examples of the same entry of "as to".Could any native speaker tell my it is for "on the subject of" or"with regard to"?(1) He said nothing as to when he would come.(2) Nobody could decide as to what to do.(3) They were quarreling as to which was the stronger.Thank you for your help.

Bacteriatastic · Accepted Answer

in #1, the 'as to' is used to mean 'concerning'

#2 is a little weird; native speakers would not usually use 'as to' in that sentence. It makes perfect sense without it.

#3 'on the subject of'

Bepleased · Answer

Hi,

Thanks a lot bacteriatastic.

as you saying, #2 should be rephrased?: Nobody could decide what to do.

And the old my conundrum needs your help:
He is very uncertain as whether it is the right job for him.

the "as to" for what meaning?

Thank you for your help.

Bacteriatastic · Answer

yes, #2 sounds perfect like that.

and in the new sentence, the 'as' should be removed. "He is very uncertain whether it is the right job for him" is correct.

Bepleased · Answer

the original is  "He is very uncertain as to whether it is the right job for him" is correct.What Is the as to for ?

Bacteriatastic · Answer

'concerning', but here's another example where the 'as to' wouldn't be used by native speakers

Bepleased · Answer

Helo,
Thanks a lot bacteriatastic.
But you know "concerning" has two meanings one is "on the subject of", another is "with regard to".
Which one is what you mean?
Thank you for your continued help.

Bacteriatastic · Answer

Well, in that case, 'concerning' means 'on the subject of', but those two definitions are fairly similar.

Bepleased · Answer

Why do you think them to be similar?

Their directions are opposite to each other.

A on the subject of B. --------A contains B / B is dealt with or represented by A;

A with regard to B---------A exists according to B / A decided by B

Bacteriatastic · Answer

Sorry to be so un-terse

:

In a broad sense, 'on the subject of' means 'about':

Phil spoke to me on the subject of our vacation plans.
Phil spoke to me about our vacation plans.

Similarly, so does 'with regard to'. It can mean 'with reference to', which can then mean 'on the subject of', but then we're back to 'about'. Like:

Phil spoke to me with regard to our vacation plans.
Phil spoke to me with reference to our vacation plans.

In brief:
reference |'ref(?)r?ns|
noun
1 the action of mentioning

When one mentions something, one is talking about it.

Usually with a definition, if there are two completely different senses, they are written separately from each other. But if it's like this:
as to with respect to; concerning : decisions as to which patients receive treatment.

I don't think a semicolon is enough to completely separate the two meanings.

Bepleased · Answer

Hello,

Thank you that you are like to help me and hard communication.
According to your suggestions and the definitions, I have got a naive idea that

1. "with reference to" as a whole, it acts as "considering" so , it acts as a cause;

2. When enter it, the "reference to A" means referring to A (to = on the subject of)

3. Coming back to the question of the post, the "as to " has the two meanings, we have use a strong words to show them.
One is "on the subject of (not use "about" instead, because that it has the two meanins too)".
And amother is "considering"-----acts as a cause;

A on the subject of B. ------A has B. (A is agent and B is acceptor)
A considering B. ------A exists in B (B is agent and A is acceptor)

Here, "as to" for "on the subject to" or "with regard to"?

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