With Regard To vs With Regards To: Mastering Proper Usage in English

Many writers hit a roadblock when typing an email or crafting a message, unsure whether to use with regard to or with regards to. Both sound correct, floating in your minds with equal confidence, yet one fits better, adhering closely to the rules of English. Even a small hiccup can pause fluent writers, leaving them staring at the screen in mild confusion. The key is picking the correct phrase for a specific subject or topic, considering something carefully in relation to your example, question, or discussion. Understanding when to add an extra s or leave it behind can save you from common mistakes and ensure your writing appears professional and precise.

The difference between the two phrases may seem slight, but slight variations can impact communication significantly. Navigating the nuances of English, especially the forks in the road between similar phrases, allows you to maintain precision, clarity, and overall polish in your language. Using the wrong version can make your emails, letters, or formal documents look careless, whereas choosing the right one demonstrates careful attention to detail, mastery of English, and respect for your audience. A small change can influence how your message is perceived, especially in professional settings where clarity and correctness are crucial.

In practical use, knowing the main difference between with regard to and with regards to empowers you to approach writing with confidence. A thorough guide that breaks down usage, provides clear examples, offers alternatives, and shares helpful tips is essential for mastering these phrases. By choosing the right phrase, avoiding common pitfalls, and considering context, your communication will remain clear, precise, and appropriate for professional emails, formal conversations, or everyday English. Over time, this attention to detail not only improves accuracy but also builds trust with your readers and enhances the overall quality of your writing..

Understanding the Core Difference

At first glance, “With Regard To” and “With Regards To” may appear the same. However, the distinction is simple:

• With Regard To – correct in formal English. It means concerning or about.
• With Regards To – often incorrect in professional writing. People mistakenly use it because of the closing phrase in letters, “With regards.”

Here’s a clear comparison:

Phrase	Meaning	Usage	Formality
With Regard To	Concerning, about	Emails, reports, essays	Formal
With Regards To	Incorrect in most contexts	Casual writing or mistaken usage	Informal or wrong in formal writing

Tip: When addressing a topic in professional writing, always choose “With Regard To.”

Historical and Linguistic Background

The confusion goes back to the history of the words.

“Regard” comes from Middle English, meaning consideration or attention. Over time, “with regard to” became the standard phrase to mean about or concerning in formal writing.

On the other hand, “regards” in plural is used for greetings, like “Best regards” at the end of a letter. Combining it with “to” leads to the common mistake.

Example from literature:

“With regard to the proposed changes, the committee will meet next week.”

Here, “regard” refers directly to the topic. Using “regards” would be incorrect.

Correct Usage: “With Regard To”

“With Regard To” is simple to use once you understand its structure:

• With – introduces the topic
• Regard – singular noun, meaning consideration
• To – connects the phrase to the subject

Examples in context:

Business:

“With regard to the new project, all team members should submit their plans by Friday.”

Academic:

“With regard to climate studies, recent data shows a rapid increase in average temperatures.”

Legal:

“With regard to Clause 7, both parties must comply with the stated regulations.”

Tips for use:

• Always keep regard singular.
• Works well at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
• Keeps the tone formal and professional.

Common Misuse: “With Regards To”

Many people write:

“With regards to your request, I will get back to you soon.”

This is technically incorrect. Why?

• Regards is plural and generally means greetings.
• Adding to makes it a hybrid that does not exist in formal English.

Implications of misuse:

• Makes writing seem careless
• Can confuse readers
• Reduces perceived professionalism

Correct version:

“With regard to your request, I will get back to you soon.”

Even small corrections like this can elevate your communication instantly.

Alternatives and Synonyms

Sometimes, using “With Regard To” repeatedly may feel repetitive. Here are professional alternatives:

• Regarding – short and clear
• Concerning – formal, serious tone
• About – simple, neutral
• In relation to – formal, often used in technical writing

Examples:

• “Regarding the upcoming meeting, please prepare your notes in advance.”
• “Concerning the budget report, adjustments must be reviewed.”
• “About your application, the review committee will respond soon.”
• “In relation to the contract, amendments are now effective.”

Tip: Choose alternatives based on tone and context. Use “regarding” for emails, “with regard to” for formal reports.

Practical Tips for Mastery

Here are strategies to make sure you always write correctly:

• Singular vs Plural: Regard = topic, regards = greetings.
• Mnemonic: “Single regard for the topic, plural regards for letters.”
• Proofreading: Highlight every use of “regard(s)” and check the context.
• Rewrite if unsure: Use “regarding” to simplify tricky sentences.

Case study:

A company sent:

“With regards to the quarterly report, please submit your data by Friday.”

After correction:

“With regard to the quarterly report, please submit your data by Friday.”

Result: The tone became instantly more professional and precise.

Examples Across Contexts

Business Emails:

“With regard to your proposal, we suggest scheduling a follow-up meeting next week.”

Academic Papers:

“With regard to recent studies on renewable energy, solar technology shows significant efficiency gains.”

Legal Documents:

“With regard to Clause 5, all parties must comply with outlined obligations.”

Side-by-Side Wrong vs Correct:

Wrong	Correct
“With regards to the client’s feedback, action is needed.”	“With regard to the client’s feedback, action is needed.”
“With regards to safety protocols, employees must comply.”	“With regard to safety protocols, employees must comply.”

These examples show the clarity and professionalism gained by using the correct phrase.

Professional Implications

Correct usage matters more than most people realize.

• Clarity: Avoids misunderstandings in emails, reports, and memos.
• Credibility: Shows attention to detail and professionalism.
• Career growth: Managers notice employees who communicate clearly and correctly.
• Academic reputation: Precise language reflects research rigor and intelligence.

Think of this as a small investment with a big return: mastering a single phrase can subtly enhance trust and authority in every piece of writing.

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between with regard to and with regards to is essential for professional and clear communication. Using the correct phrase demonstrates precision, clarity, and respect for your audience. While both may sound correct, understanding their nuances ensures your writing is never careless or unprofessional. By following guides, reviewing examples, and paying attention to context, you can confidently choose the right phrase for emails, formal conversations, or everyday English, improving both the tone and quality of your writing.

FAQs

Q1. What is the correct phrase: “with regard to” or “with regards to”?

The correct phrase for formal and precise English is with regard to. With regards to is often considered less formal or a common mistake.

Q2. Can “with regards to” be used in casual writing?

Yes, it appears in everyday speech, emails among friends, or informal messages, but it is best avoided in professional communication.

Q3. What does “with regard to” mean?

It means considering something or in relation to a specific subject or topic, often used to introduce context in writing or formal discussions.

Q4. How can I remember the difference?

Think of with regard to as singular and correct for formal use. Avoid adding the extra s unless you’re in casual contexts, and always focus on clarity and precision.

Q5. Why is using the wrong phrase a problem?

Using with regards to in professional writing can make your message appear careless or unprofessional, affecting how readers perceive your communication skills.