Quick question: do you object to the "as to" in "without causing any confusion as to the meaning", and if so, why? What would you prefer?

@caffyrelf no objection here. Makes perfect sense.

@caffyrelf though I believe 'over' instead of 'as to' would work as well

@nickminers That's what I've changed it to, after objections were raised. I'm just wondering how widespread the objections are!

@caffyrelf 'any' seems superfluous for a start, and so changes the sentence entirely.

@caffyrelf No objections here. 'Over' could also work.

@caffyrelf Can't stand it - almost as bad as 'in relation to'! Clumsy faux formalism that's afraid of ordinary prepositions. Try 'about'.

@SnoozeInBrief Ooh, strident! I've gone for 'over' - I don't think 'about the meaning' quite works.

@caffyrelf I don't think it matters. The only time it would be a problem is if it were liberally repeated, but that applies to all words.

@catordog2 don't be silly!

@caffyrelf I'd probably use "over" 'cos "as to" sounds a bit bureaucratese to me. Just personal preference though

@caffyrelf stick by the unnecessary adjective. Discuss....

@caffyrelf I don't mind "as to", though it's a bit pompous. Was it written by a man who wears a bow tie?

@caffyrelf Yeah, I keep vaguely meaning to blog about preposition abuse but the red mist makes me inarticulate! And yes, 'over's better.

@catordog2 Superfluous it may be, though I find it gentler to include it. But change the sentence entirely? How?

@MathewJLyons It was written by me. In my bow tie. :-)

@grouchotendency Yep, that's what I've done, but it's a new one on me. Always good to learn new irritations!

@caffyrelf it shifts the emphasis and could make the 'as to' unnecessary. Depends on what follows it.

@caffyrelf *removes foot from mouth* Well, some people can carry them off. You and Matt Smith both?

@caffyrelf fair play. It is a very interesting question nonetheless. Look forward to your blog. Over and out.

@caffyrelf Absolutely. Horrid. Makes one sound like a Copper. "without confusing" is usually fine. Another ugly syntax: "in terms of..."