Have you ever paused while writing an email, essay, or business message because you were unsure whether to write with regard to or with regards to? You are not alone. These expressions look almost identical, sound similar, and are frequently used to introduce a topic. However, their grammatical differences can make writers question which version is appropriate. Understanding the distinction will help you write more clearly and confidently.
Both phrases are widely used in modern English, especially in professional communication, academic writing, and everyday conversations. Although with regard to is generally considered the more traditional and widely preferred choice in formal writing, with regards to is also common and accepted in many contexts. The key is understanding the usage conventions, recognizing your audience, and choosing the expression that best fits your sentence. In this guide, you will learn the meanings, differences, examples, common mistakes, and practical tips for using both phrases correctly.
Quick Answer
With regard to is the traditional and generally preferred expression in formal writing when referring to a particular subject. With regards to is also commonly used with the same meaning, although some style guides prefer the singular form. For most professional, academic, and business writing, choose with regard to.
Why People Confuse It
People often confuse these phrases because they share nearly identical wording and usually communicate the same idea. Both can mean “concerning,” “about,” or “in relation to.”
The confusion mainly comes from the word regard. English uses it in several expressions, including in regard to, with regard to, and as regards. The plural form in with regards to may seem more natural to some speakers, particularly because the phrase best regards is familiar in emails and letters.
However, these expressions follow different usage patterns. In formal writing, with regard to is the safest choice when introducing a topic.
First Word: With Regard To
With regard to is a prepositional expression meaning “concerning,” “regarding,” or “in relation to” something.
It is especially useful when introducing a subject, explaining a concern, or referring to a specific issue.
Examples:
- With regard to your application, we will contact you next week.
- The manager has several questions with regard to the new policy.
- With regard to your request, we need additional information.
- The report provides useful details with regard to employee performance.
In each example, the expression connects the sentence to a particular topic.
When to use it:
- Formal emails and business correspondence
- Academic essays and research papers
- Reports, proposals, and official documents
- Professional conversations where precise wording matters
If you want a reliable option that is unlikely to attract criticism from a formal style editor, with regard to is an excellent choice.
Second Word: With Regards To
With regards to is a common expression used with the intended meaning of “concerning” or “about.” Many English speakers use it in everyday speech, emails, and informal professional communication.
However, some editors and traditional style guides consider with regard to preferable when introducing a topic. This is because regards has a separate, well-established use as a noun meaning good wishes, as in “Please give my regards to your family.”
Examples:
- With regards to your question, I will provide an answer tomorrow.
- She contacted the office with regards to her appointment.
- With regards to the budget, we need to make a few changes.
- He asked for clarification with regards to the new instructions.
These sentences are understandable, and the intended meaning is clear. Nevertheless, if you are writing for a formal audience, changing with regards to to with regard to is usually the better editorial decision.
Remember that with regards to is common, but common usage does not mean every style guide will recommend it.
Comparison Table
| Feature | With Regard To | With Regards To |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Concerning or about | Commonly intended to mean concerning or about |
| Grammatical usage | Established standard expression | Common variant, sometimes discouraged by editors |
| Formal writing | Generally preferred | Often less preferred |
| Business emails | Recommended choice | Common but less conservative |
| Academic writing | Usually the safer option | May be edited out |
| Everyday communication | Correct and natural | Frequently encountered |
| Best advice | Use for a formal, neutral tone | Recognize it, but consider the context |
When to Use Each
Choosing between these expressions depends on your audience, writing style, and the level of formality you need.
Use “With Regard To” in Formal Writing
Choose with regard to when writing an academic paper, a business report, a formal email, or an official announcement.
For example:
“With regard to the proposed changes, the committee will issue a decision on Friday.”
This wording is direct, professional, and consistent with traditional editorial preferences.
Use “With Regards To” With Awareness of Style
You may encounter with regards to in informal messages, conversations, and even professional correspondence. Readers will generally understand what you mean.
For example:
“With regards to our meeting, can we move it to Thursday?”
Although this sentence is understandable, many editors would revise it to:
“With regard to our meeting, can we move it to Thursday?”
Consider a Simpler Alternative
Both expressions can sometimes make writing unnecessarily wordy. Depending on the sentence, you can use about, regarding, or concerning instead.
For example:
- Wordy: With regard to your complaint, we are investigating the issue.
- Simpler: We are investigating your complaint.
Clear, concise writing is often more effective than relying on formal-sounding expressions.
Examples: With Regard To vs With Regards To
The following examples show how these phrases appear in practical situations.
- With regard to your application, the hiring team will respond shortly.
- With regard to the meeting agenda, please review the attached document.
- The company introduced new rules with regard to workplace safety.
- With regard to your question, the answer depends on the circumstances.
- The professor offered additional guidance with regard to the assignment.
- With regards to your request, we will send the documents soon.
- She contacted customer service with regards to her recent purchase.
- With regards to the schedule, the final decision has not been made.
- He raised several concerns with regards to the new procedure.
- With regard to the budget, the finance team needs more time.
- The report explains the changes with regard to company policy.
- With regard to your feedback, we appreciate your suggestions.
Examples 6–9 illustrate a common usage pattern, but a formal editor may prefer with regard to in those sentences as well.
Examples in Professional Emails
Less preferred by traditional style guides:
“With regards to your invoice, we noticed a small discrepancy.”
Recommended formal version:
“With regard to your invoice, we noticed a small discrepancy.”
Concise alternative:
“We noticed a small discrepancy in your invoice.”
The last version is often the clearest because it removes unnecessary introductory wording.
Common Mistakes
Even experienced writers sometimes mix up these expressions. Avoid the following mistakes to make your writing more polished.
1. Assuming Both Forms Are Equally Preferred Everywhere
Both forms occur in modern English, but editorial preferences differ. Formal writing generally favors with regard to.
2. Confusing “Regards” With “Regard”
The word regards is appropriate in expressions such as “Best regards” and “Please send my regards.” These uses do not mean that the plural must be used in with regard to.
3. Writing “With Regard Of”
The standard expression is with regard to, not with regard of.
Incorrect: With regard of your proposal, we have concerns.
Correct: With regard to your proposal, we have concerns.
4. Using the Phrase Too Often
Repeatedly starting sentences with with regard to can make writing sound stiff.
Instead of writing, “With regard to the budget, we have questions. With regard to the timeline, we need clarification,” try:
“We have questions about the budget and need clarification on the timeline.”
5. Using It When a Direct Sentence Is Better
Formal expressions do not automatically improve writing. Use a shorter construction whenever it communicates your meaning more naturally.
Memory Trick
Use this simple memory trick to remember the preferred form:
One topic, one regard.
When you mean “about” or “concerning,” remember the singular noun in with regard to.
Think of these examples:
- With regard to the exam
- With regard to the contract
- With regard to your question
You can also replace the phrase with about. If the sentence still makes sense, you are probably using the expression correctly.
For example:
“With regard to the deadline, we need more time.”
Becomes:
“About the deadline, we need more time.”
The second sentence may need slight restructuring to sound natural, but the meaning remains clear.
American vs British English
The preference for with regard to is not limited to American or British English. Both varieties use the expression, and both encounter with regards to in everyday communication.
| Context | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Formal writing | With regard to | With regard to |
| Academic writing | Generally preferred | Generally preferred |
| Everyday speech | Both forms occur | Both forms occur |
| Email sign-off | Best regards is common | Best regards is common |
The major distinction is one of editorial preference and register rather than a strict difference between national varieties.
American and British writers may differ in spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary, but the basic recommendation remains the same: use with regard to when you want a conventional, formal expression meaning “concerning.”
Also, do not confuse with regards to with best regards. In an email sign-off, Best regards is a standard way to express polite wishes.
Similar Words
Several alternatives can replace with regard to and with regards to. Choosing the right one can make your writing more concise and natural.
| Alternative | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Regarding | Concerning a topic | Regarding your request, we need more details. |
| About | Concerning something | I have a question about the assignment. |
| Concerning | In relation to something | We received a notice concerning the policy. |
| In regard to | With reference to | In regard to your complaint, we will investigate. |
| In relation to | Connected with a subject | The rules changed in relation to the new law. |
| As for | Introducing a topic | As for the budget, we have enough funds. |
| With respect to | Concerning or in reference to | With respect to your proposal, we need revisions. |
Which Alternative Is Best?
- Regarding: A professional, concise choice.
- About: The simplest and most conversational option.
- Concerning: Useful in formal or informational writing.
- In regard to: Another established formal expression.
- With respect to: Appropriate for technical, legal, and academic contexts.
For everyday writing, about is often enough. For a formal email, regarding or with regard to works well.
FAQs
1. Is “with regard to” grammatically correct?
Yes. With regard to is a standard English expression meaning “concerning,” “about,” or “in relation to.” It is widely accepted in formal and informal writing.
2. Is “with regards to” incorrect?
Not universally. It is common in modern usage and is understood by readers. However, some traditional style guides and editors prefer with regard to, especially in formal writing.
3. Which phrase should I use in a formal email?
Use with regard to. It is the more conventional choice and helps you avoid unnecessary editorial objections.
4. What is the difference between “regard” and “regards”?
Regard can mean attention, consideration, or respect. Regards often means good wishes, as in “Best regards.” In the expression with regard to, the singular form is the traditional choice.
5. Can I use “regarding” instead of “with regard to”?
Yes. Regarding usually communicates the same basic meaning and is often shorter. For example, “Regarding your application, we need more information.”
6. Is “in regard to” also correct?
Yes. In regard to is an established expression meaning “concerning.” It is a suitable alternative to with regard to in formal writing.
7. Is “with regards” correct at the end of an email?
The expression with regards is used as a sign-off, although Best regards is more conventional. This is a different usage from with regard to, which introduces a subject.
Final Verdict
The difference between with regard to and with regards to is mainly a matter of conventional usage and editorial preference. Both expressions are commonly used to introduce a subject, but with regard to is the more established choice in formal English. It is suitable for professional emails, academic writing, reports, and official communication.
If you want to avoid confusion, remember to use with regard to when you mean “concerning” or “about.” Choose regarding or about when you want a shorter alternative. These simple choices will help your writing sound clear, natural, and professional without adding unnecessary words.
Remember This
Use “with regard to” for formal writing. Although “with regards to” is common and generally understood, the singular form is the safer conventional choice when introducing a subject. For clearer writing, consider replacing either phrase with regarding or about whenever appropriate.
