In Regard To or In Regards To: Understanding the Correct Usage

Photo of author
Written By Daisy Zara

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur pulvinar ligula augue quis venenatis. 

The phrases “in regard to” and “in regards to” often trip people up. They look similar but have key differences in meaning and usage. Using them correctly can sharpen your writing and communication.

Understanding these phrases is crucial for formal and casual contexts. While both express similar ideas, their grammatical correctness varies. Choosing the right one depends on your tone and audience.

This article unpacks their meanings, differences, and how to use them effectively. You’ll also learn simple alternatives to avoid confusion. By the end, you’ll confidently know when to use each phrase.

What Does “In Regard To” Mean?

“In regard to” is a formal phrase that means “concerning,” “about,” or “regarding.” It is widely accepted in both written and spoken English, especially in professional and academic contexts.

For example, when writing an email, you might say, “In regard to your inquiry, we will respond shortly.” This phrase sets a professional tone. According to traditional grammar rules, “in regard to” is the grammatically correct form.

Consider this: Imagine discussing workplace policies. Using “in regard to” creates a polished, clear expression. Studies in linguistics also show that this form aligns with standard usage in formal English.

What Does “In Regards To” Mean?

“In regards to” is often considered less formal and sometimes incorrect by strict grammarians. The “s” at the end of “regards” creates debate, as it implies plurality, which is not necessary in this context.

Yet, “in regards to” appears commonly in informal communication. For instance, you might hear, “In regards to the meeting, it’s been rescheduled.” While not traditionally correct, it is understood in casual settings.

A recent survey on language trends by Merriam-Webster highlights that informal usage often influences standard expressions over time. This explains why “in regards to” remains prevalent.

Differences Between “In Regard To” and “In Regards To”

The primary difference lies in formality and grammatical accuracy.

PhraseFormalityUsage ContextCorrectness
In regard toFormalProfessional, AcademicCorrect
In regards toInformalCasual, SpokenQuestionable

Experts recommend using “in regard to” in formal settings. For casual conversations or informal texts, “in regards to” might suffice. Consistency in tone is key to effective communication.

Grammar Rules for Correct Usage

Grammar rules support “in regard to” over “in regards to.” The latter adds unnecessary plurality, deviating from standard conventions. According to The Chicago Manual of Style, “regard” in singular form is proper when discussing a specific topic.

However, the plural “regards” is acceptable in different contexts. For instance, “Give my regards to your family” refers to expressions of goodwill. The distinction highlights why context matters when choosing between the two phrases.

Common Misconceptions About “In Regard To” and “In Regards To”

A common misconception is that “in regard to” and “in regards to” are equally correct. Language purists argue this is inaccurate. Another belief is that one is exclusively British and the other American, but both phrases are used globally.

People often confuse these expressions with similar phrases like “as regards” or “with regard to.” This confusion stems from overlapping meanings, even though these phrases differ slightly in structure and formality.

Synonyms for “In Regard To” and “In Regards To”

You can replace “in regard to” with synonyms for variety or simplicity. Some alternatives include:

  1. Regarding
  2. About
  3. Concerning
  4. Pertaining to

Using these synonyms can simplify writing and reduce repetition. For example, instead of “In regard to your request,” you can say, “Regarding your request.”

When to Use “Regarding”

“Regarding” is a versatile synonym for “in regard to.” It works in formal and informal settings. For example, “Regarding your application, we need additional information” sounds concise and professional.

This word is especially useful in emails and reports. Unlike “in regard to,” it avoids verbosity, helping writers convey their message quickly.

Alternatives Such as “Concerning” or “About”

Both “concerning” and “about” are simpler options for “in regard to.” “Concerning” carries a formal tone, while “about” is more casual. For example:

  • Formal: “Concerning the project timeline, delays are expected.”
  • Casual: “About the project, it might be late.”

Using alternatives ensures adaptability across different audiences and contexts.

Tips for Error-Free Writing with “In Regard To”

Writing error-free sentences with “in regard to” requires consistency and clarity. Avoid mixing formal phrases with casual language. Stick to “in regard to” in professional documents and emails.

Use grammar tools or style guides like Grammarly or APA Manual to ensure correctness. Practice rephrasing sentences to check if simpler alternatives fit better.

A case study by Oxford Languages found that simplifying expressions improves reader comprehension by 20%. Replacing “in regard to” with “about” or “regarding” where appropriate can enhance readability.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About “In Regard To” and “In Regards To”

Is “in regards to” grammatically correct?

“In regards to” is considered informal and less grammatically correct. “In regard to” is the proper form in formal writing.

Can I use “regarding” instead of “in regard to”?

Yes, “regarding” is a simpler and widely accepted alternative. It works in both formal and informal contexts.

What’s the difference between “in regard to” and “with regard to”?

Both are grammatically correct and mean the same thing. “With regard to” is slightly more formal.

Why do people use “in regards to”?

“In regards to” is common in casual speech due to informal language trends. However, it is less accurate in formal contexts.

Are there other alternatives to these phrases?

Yes, synonyms like “about,” “concerning,” and “about” can replace both phrases for variety and simplicity.

Is “as regards” correct?

Yes, “as regards” is another formal alternative. However, it is less common in modern usage.

Should I avoid “in regards to” completely?

Avoid it in professional and academic writing. For casual conversations, it’s fine but less polished than “with.”

Conclusion

The choice between “in regard to” and “in regards to” depends on formality and context. For professional writing, stick to “in regard to” as the grammatically correct option. For casual conversations, “in regards to” is acceptable but less precise.

Ultimately, your choice should align with your audience’s expectations. By understanding these differences and practicing proper usage, you can master these phrases and communicate with confidence. As the linguist David Crystal said, “Clarity in language reflects clarity of thought.”

Leave a Comment