With Regard To vs With Regards To: The Complete Grammar Guide You Need 📘✨
The confusion between with regard to vs with regards to is one of the most common grammar mistakes in English writing. If you’ve ever written an email, report, or even a simple message, you may have paused and wondered: should I write “with regard to” or “with regards to”? 🤔 At first glance, both phrases look correct. They sound similar, appear interchangeable, and are widely used in informal writing. However, only one of them is considered grammatically standard in formal English.
This confusion is extremely common among students, professionals, and even native speakers. The problem arises because the word “regards” is correctly used in many other contexts, such as closing an email (“Best regards”), which makes people assume it can also be used in prepositional phrases like “with regards to.”
In this detailed guide, we will clearly break down with regard to vs with regards to, explain which form is correct, and show you how to use it confidently in real-life communication. You’ll also see examples, tables, grammar rules, common mistakes, and practical tips that will help you master this phrase once and for all. Let’s clear up the confusion! 🚀
Quick Answer: With Regard To vs With Regards To
The correct phrase is “with regard to” (singular “regard”). It means “about,” “concerning,” or “in relation to” something.
The phrase “with regards to” is commonly used in spoken English but is considered non-standard in formal writing. Most grammar authorities recommend avoiding it in professional communication.
👉 In short:
✔ Correct: with regard to
❌ Incorrect (formal writing): with regards to
Understanding the Basics: With Regard To vs With Regards To
To fully understand this grammar issue, we need to break down the meaning and usage of each form.
What does “With Regard To” mean?
“With regard to” is a prepositional phrase that means:
- About
- Concerning
- In relation to
It is used to introduce a topic or subject in formal writing.
Example:
- With regard to your application, we will respond next week.
- I am writing with regard to your recent complaint.
Why people say “With Regards To”
People often mistakenly use “with regards to” because:
- “Regards” is commonly used in email sign-offs (e.g., Best regards)
- It sounds more polite or formal
- It has become popular in spoken English
However, grammatically, “regard” should remain singular in this phrase.
Comparison Table: With Regard To vs With Regards To
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With regard to | Prepositional phrase | About / concerning | With regard to your request, we agree. | ✅ Correct |
| With regards to | Non-standard phrase | Intended: about / concerning | With regards to your request… | ❌ Incorrect (formal writing) |
Correct Meaning & Usage of “With Regard To” 📌
1. Formal Writing Usage
In formal communication such as:
- Business emails
- Legal documents
- Academic writing
You should always use “with regard to.”
Example:
- With regard to the contract, both parties have agreed to the terms.
👉 Sentence breakdown:
- “With regard to” = introduces topic
- “the contract” = subject
- “have agreed” = action
2. Neutral Information Delivery
It is also used when giving information neutrally.
Example:
- With regard to the schedule, there are no changes.
Test Tip 🧠
If you can replace the phrase with “about,” then “with regard to” is correct.
✔ With regard to your message → About your message
Case Study Section: Real-Life Example 💼
Scenario: Workplace Email
Incorrect Email:
With regards to your request, we have processed it successfully.
❌ Problem: “regards” is plural and informal here.
Correct Email:
With regard to your request, we have processed it successfully.
✔ Why it works:
- Professional tone
- Grammatically correct
- Accepted in business English
This small change improves clarity and professionalism instantly.
Grammar Rules Explanation 📚
The confusion between with regard to vs with regards to is explained by standard English grammar rules.
Rule 1: “Regard” is uncountable in this phrase
In “with regard to,” the word “regard” functions as an uncountable noun meaning:
- attention
- consideration
- relation
Therefore, it should NOT be pluralized.
Rule 2: “Regards” is only for greetings
“Regards” is correctly used in:
- Best regards
- Kind regards
But NOT in:
- With regards to ❌
Grammar Authority Insight
According to standard references like Merriam-Webster and major English usage guides, “with regard to” is the accepted formal structure, while “with regards to” is considered informal or incorrect in professional writing.
Common Mistakes ⚠️
Many learners confuse similar expressions due to fast writing, autocorrect, or habit.
Why mistakes happen:
- Fast typing without checking
- Autocorrect changing phrases
- Influence of spoken English
- Confusion with email sign-offs
Table: Similar Grammar Confusions
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| With regards to | With regard to |
| Its a good idea | It’s a good idea |
| Your welcome | You’re welcome |
| Could of | Could have |
| Should of | Should have |
Usage in Different Contexts 🌍
1. Everyday Conversation
- With regard to dinner, I’m not hungry yet.
2. Professional Writing
- With regard to the proposal, revisions are required.
3. Creative Writing
- With regard to the old house, mysteries still remain.
4. Social Media / Texting
- With regard to your question, yes I agree 👍
Even in informal writing, the correct form still improves clarity.
Why It Matters 💡
Using the correct form is not just about grammar—it affects communication quality.
Key benefits:
- Clearer meaning
- More professional impression
- Better academic and business writing
- Reduced misunderstanding
“Good grammar is the foundation of clear communication.”
Special Exception 📎
There is no official exception where “with regards to” becomes correct in formal grammar.
However:
- It may appear in casual speech
- It is sometimes used in informal emails
- Some regional English variations tolerate it
Still, in academic and professional writing, avoid it.
Quick Recap Checklist ✔️
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Is it formal writing? | With regard to |
| Can it be replaced with “about”? | With regard to |
| Is it an email sign-off? | Use “Best regards” (not this phrase) |
Practice Examples ✍️
- With regard to your application, we will respond soon.
- With regard to the meeting, it is postponed.
- With regard to the issue, we are investigating it.
FAQs: With Regard To vs With Regards To ❓
1. What is correct: with regard to or with regards to?
The correct form is with regard to, especially in formal writing.
2. Is “with regards to” ever correct?
It is considered informal and non-standard. It should be avoided in professional contexts.
3. Why do people use “with regards to”?
Because “regards” is common in email endings like “Best regards,” causing confusion.
4. Can I use “with regard to” in emails?
Yes, it is perfect for professional and formal emails.
5. What is a simpler alternative?
You can use:
- About
- Concerning
- Regarding
6. Is “regards” plural always wrong?
No. It is correct in greetings:
- Best regards ✔
But incorrect in this phrase: - With regards to ❌
Conclusion 🎯
The confusion between with regard to vs with regards to is one of the most common grammar mistakes in English writing. Although both versions may sound correct in speech, only “with regard to” is accepted in formal grammar and professional communication.
Understanding this difference helps you improve clarity, professionalism, and accuracy in writing. The incorrect form “with regards to” persists mainly due to habit, spoken language influence, and confusion with email sign-offs like “Best regards.”
By remembering a simple rule—use “regard” in singular form when meaning “about” or “concerning”—you can avoid this mistake completely.
Whether you are writing emails, essays, or business documents, choosing the correct form shows strong language control and attention to detail. ✨
Mastering small grammar points like this can significantly improve your communication skills and make your writing sound more polished and confident.
Also Read This: Extensible vs Extendible
I’m Julian Crestwood, and I work at Gramlio. I’m an expert in grammar and help learners write confidently with easy and practical guidance.
