@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 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.
@caffyrelf I'd probably use "over" 'cos "as to" sounds a bit bureaucratese to me. Just personal preference though
@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?
- @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..."
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Cathy Relf
Camera twiddler, dictionary botherer, yoga incompetent, sub-editor. Unhealthy fascination with The Pogues.
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