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Quick Answer
“With regard to” is the standard expression used to mean concerning, about, or in relation to something.
- With regard to: Correct and widely accepted in formal and professional writing.
- With regards to: Commonly used with the same meaning, but generally considered less standard in formal writing.
- As regards: Another correct expression meaning “concerning.”
- In regard to: Also correct and similar in meaning.
Example: With regard to your application, we will contact you next week.
For most professional emails and formal documents, choose “with regard to” to keep your writing clear and conventional.
What Does “With Regard To” Mean?
The expression “with regard to” means about a particular subject or in connection with something. It introduces the topic you want to discuss and helps readers understand what your message concerns.
For example, if you write, “With regard to your recent request, we need additional information,” you are telling the reader that your response relates directly to their request.
This phrase is especially useful in:
- Professional emails and business correspondence
- Academic writing and research papers
- Formal letters and official documents
- Customer service messages
- Workplace discussions and reports
In everyday English, simpler alternatives such as “about” or “regarding” may sound more natural. However, “with regard to” remains a useful choice when you want a formal, neutral tone.
What Does “With Regards To” Mean?
“With regards to” is also widely used to mean concerning or in relation to a subject. You may encounter it in workplace conversations, emails, online articles, and everyday writing.
For example:
- With regards to your question, I will send the details tomorrow.
- We have received several complaints with regards to the new policy.
- With regards to the meeting, please confirm your availability.
These sentences are understandable, and the expression is common in modern usage. However, many traditional grammar guides and professional editors prefer “with regard to” when introducing a subject.
There is also a separate expression worth remembering: “give my regards to someone.” In this context, regards means greetings or good wishes, not “concerning.”
For example: “Please give my regards to your family.”
The difference between these uses can help you avoid confusion when choosing the right phrase.
With Regard To vs. With Regards To: Key Differences
The main difference is not a major change in meaning. Both expressions are often intended to introduce a topic, but they differ in how they are treated in formal writing.
| Feature | With regard to | With regards to |
| Meaning | Concerning or about | Usually concerning or about |
| Formal writing | Preferred standard form | Less preferred by many style guides |
| Professional emails | Recommended | Common but less conventional |
| Academic writing | Generally a safer choice | Often better replaced with “with regard to” |
| Grammar | Established singular construction | Widely used, but sometimes criticized |
| Best alternative | Regarding, about | Regarding, about |
If you want a dependable rule, use “with regard to” whenever you mean “concerning.” This choice is particularly helpful in formal documents, reports, and professional communication.
Why Is “With Regard To” Preferred?
The preference for “with regard to” comes from the established expression in regard to, which means “concerning” or “in relation to.” In this construction, regard is singular.
The word regard can refer to consideration, attention, or a particular aspect of something. When you write “with regard to the proposal,” you are essentially directing attention to that proposal.
The plural form “regards” has other established uses, including greetings and expressions such as “in many regards.” Its appearance in “with regards to” is common, but some editors regard it as a less conventional version of the fixed phrase.
This does not mean every instance of “with regards to” makes a sentence impossible to understand or automatically grammatically wrong. Language changes through usage, and the expression is well established in everyday communication. Nevertheless, choosing the singular form is a simple way to satisfy conventional expectations in formal writing.
Examples of “With Regard To” in Sentences
The best way to understand a phrase is to see how it works in different contexts. Here are examples of “with regard to” in everyday and professional communication.
Professional Emails
- With regard to your email, I have attached the requested documents.
- I am writing with regard to the changes discussed yesterday.
- With regard to your appointment, please arrive ten minutes early.
Business Correspondence
- We will provide an update with regard to the delivery schedule.
- The company has introduced new procedures with regard to customer complaints.
- With regard to your payment, our records show that the transaction is complete.
Academic Writing
- The study presents important findings with regard to language acquisition.
- Further research is needed with regard to the effects of sleep on memory.
- The author raises several questions with regard to the reliability of the data.
Everyday English
- With regard to your question, I think we should wait.
- I have nothing further to add with regard to the matter.
- With regard to dinner, we can decide when everyone arrives.
Notice that the phrase introduces the subject being discussed. In each example, you could replace it with “regarding” or “about,” although “about” may sound less formal in some contexts.
Examples of “With Regards To” in Sentences
Although “with regard to” is generally the safer choice for formal writing, you may still see “with regards to” used in the same way.
Consider these examples:
- With regards to your application, we will respond shortly.
- I have a question with regards to the new schedule.
- With regards to the budget, we need approval from the manager.
- She contacted the department with regards to her account.
- With regards to your feedback, we appreciate your suggestions.
These examples demonstrate the intended meaning, but a formal editor might revise each sentence by changing “with regards to” to “with regard to.”
For instance:
- Less preferred: With regards to the budget, we need approval.
- Preferred in formal writing: With regard to the budget, we need approval.
The change is small, but it creates a more conventional and polished result.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced writers sometimes mix up these expressions. Understanding a few common mistakes will help you improve your grammar and make your writing more professional.
1. Using “with regards to” in every formal email
Although the plural form is common, “with regard to” is the more conventional choice in formal writing.
Incorrect for conventional formal style: With regards to your request, we need more time.
Preferred: With regard to your request, we need more time.
2. Confusing “regard” with “regards” as a greeting
When you want to send good wishes to someone, use “regards” rather than “regard.”
- Correct: Please send my regards to your parents.
- Correct: With regard to your parents’ request, we will respond soon.
The first sentence expresses greetings; the second introduces a subject.
3. Using the phrase when a simpler word would be clearer
“With regard to” is grammatically useful, but it can make sentences unnecessarily long if overused.
Wordy: With regard to the issue of your attendance, we would like to speak with you.
Clearer: Regarding your attendance, we would like to speak with you.
In many cases, “about” is also perfectly suitable.
4. Forgetting the word “to”
The standard expression is “with regard to,” not “with regard of.”
- Correct: With regard to your proposal, we agree.
- Incorrect: With regard of your proposal, we agree.
Remember the complete expression rather than trying to construct it from individual words.
American English vs. British English
There is no major difference between American and British English regarding the standard use of “with regard to.” Both varieties accept the singular expression in formal and professional writing.
| Usage | American English | British English |
| With regard to | Standard and preferred | Standard and preferred |
| With regards to | Common, but less preferred in formal contexts | Common, but less preferred in formal contexts |
| Regarding | Widely used | Widely used |
| In relation to | Correct | Correct |
| In respect of | Correct, particularly in formal contexts | Correct, particularly in formal contexts |
You may encounter “with regards to” in publications and conversations from either country. It is not an exclusively American or British expression.
The difference is mainly one of style and editorial preference rather than regional grammar. If you are writing for an international audience, “with regard to” is a reliable option.
Better Alternatives to “With Regard To”
Sometimes, the clearest solution is to replace a longer expression with a shorter one. Choosing the right alternative depends on your audience and the tone of your message.
| Alternative | Example | Best use |
| Regarding | Regarding your request, we need more details. | Professional emails |
| About | I have a question about your report. | Everyday English |
| Concerning | Concerning the proposed changes, we need approval. | Formal communication |
| In relation to | In relation to your account, please contact support. | Business and official writing |
| As for | As for the meeting, we can reschedule it. | Conversational writing |
| In respect of | In respect of your application, a decision is pending. | Formal or administrative writing |
For most situations, “regarding” is concise and professional, while “about” is simple and natural. “With regard to” remains useful when you want a formal tone without changing the meaning.
FAQs
1. Is “with regard to” or “with regards to” correct?
“With regard to” is the conventional choice for formal writing. “With regards to” is also commonly used with the same intended meaning, but it is less preferred by many editors.
2. Is “with regards to” grammatically wrong?
Not necessarily. It is a widespread expression, and readers generally understand it. However, traditional style guidance often recommends “with regard to” when introducing a topic.
3. What does “with regard to” mean?
It means “concerning,” “about,” or “in relation to.” For example, “With regard to your order, it will arrive tomorrow” means “Regarding your order, it will arrive tomorrow.”
4. Can I use “with regard to” in a professional email?
Yes. It is appropriate for business correspondence, workplace messages, formal requests, and official communication.
5. Is there a difference between American and British usage?
There is no substantial difference in the standard recommendation. Both American and British English use “with regard to” in formal writing, although both also encounter the plural version.
6. What is a simpler alternative to “with regard to”?
“Regarding” is an excellent alternative for professional writing. “About” is often the simplest choice for everyday communication.
7. Is “in regard to” also correct?
Yes. “In regard to” is an accepted expression meaning “concerning” or “in relation to.” It is similar to “with regard to.”
8. Should I use “regard” or “regards” in a formal letter?
Use “with regard to” when introducing a topic. Use “regards” when referring to greetings, as in “Kind regards” or “Please give my regards to your colleague.”
Summary: With Regard To or With Regards To?
When deciding between “with regard to” and “with regards to,” remember that “with regard to” is the preferred expression in formal and professional writing. Both expressions are commonly used to mean “concerning” or “about,” but the singular form is the more conventional choice in business emails, academic papers, reports, and official documents. American and British English generally follow the same recommendation.
For clearer writing, choose “with regard to” when you need a formal expression, “regarding” when you want a concise professional alternative, and “about” when a simple, conversational tone is more appropriate. The goal is not merely to follow grammar rules but to communicate your message naturally and confidently.
Actionable takeaway: Before sending your next email, check whether you have written “with regards to.” If you mean “concerning,” consider replacing it with “with regard to” or “regarding” for a polished, professional result.
