Have you ever wondered whether you should say in regard to or in regards to in a formal email or business conversation? Many people struggle with this distinction, leading to uncertainty over which phrase is correct. If you’re confused about these terms, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll break down the difference between in regard to and in regards to and help you use the right one with confidence.
Understanding In Regard To And In Regards To
In Regard To: Definition and Usage
In regard to is the grammatically correct phrase used to mean “concerning” or “in reference to.”
It’s a formal expression commonly used in professional and written communication to introduce a topic or refer to something that has been mentioned earlier.
For example:
- “I’m writing in regard to your recent inquiry.”
- “The meeting was canceled in regard to weather concerns.”
In both examples, in regard to is used to address a specific matter or issue.
In Regards To: Definition and Usage
In regards to is a common mistake often made by speakers and writers. The phrase is grammatically incorrect, though it is frequently used in everyday speech.
The confusion arises because regards is correctly used in other expressions, such as “give my regards” or “best regards,” which refer to well wishes.
For example:
- Incorrect: “I’m writing in regards to the recent project.”
- Correct: “I’m writing in regard to the recent project.”
While regards works in expressions like “best regards,” it does not belong in the phrase in regard to when referring to a specific topic.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | In Regard To | In Regards To |
| Definition | Correct phrase meaning “concerning” | Incorrect phrase used in place of in regard to |
| Common Usage | “I’d like to speak in regard to our agreement.” | Incorrect: “In regards to your proposal, I have concerns.” |
| Key Differences | Formal and grammatically correct | Informal and grammatically incorrect |
When deciding between in regard to and in regards to, remember that in regard to is the correct phrase to use in formal writing and professional contexts.
In regards to is best avoided to maintain proper grammar.
Everyday Usage Examples
- In Regard To: “I’m writing in regard to your job application.”
- In Regards To: Incorrect: “In regards to the schedule, there will be changes.”
- In Regard To: “Please let me know if you have any questions in regard to the contract.”
- In Regards To: Incorrect: “She called in regards to the new policy.”
- In Regard To: “I’m calling in regard to the recent developments in the project.”
- In Regards To: Incorrect: “We spoke in regards to the upcoming meeting.”
Conclusion
In summary, when you are referring to a topic, issue, or concern, always use in regard to. The phrase in regards to is incorrect in this context, even though it’s commonly used in casual conversation.
By sticking to in regard to, you can ensure your writing and speech are grammatically accurate and professional.