If you have ever been paused mid-email, typing or crafting an email or message, you are not alone—With Regard To vs. With Regards To: What’s the Difference? often creates confusion and hesitation.
The exact difference lies in grammar, meaning, tone, and correctness. With regard to is the standard, widely accepted correct phrase in correct English, meaning concerning, relating to, or considering a specific subject or topic, as in with regard to your request. On the other hand, with regards to is commonly used in casual speech or everyday speech, but is generally seen as grammatically incorrect in formal, professional, and academic contexts, where the added s subtly changes the tone, echoing a greeting or closing phrase like best regards.
Through my own journey of understanding language and helping fluent writers navigate nuances, I have seen how small details in wording shape communication. Knowing the distinction helps avoid common mistakes, choosing the best choice and maintaining a clear, precise style. This guide helps you learn, explore usage examples, and present ideas effectively, making sentences smoother, more professional, and strengthening your approach to writing over time.
Quick Answer: Which One is Correct?
Here’s the simple truth:
- With regard to → Correct in formal writing, professional emails, academic papers, and legal documents.
- With regards to → Commonly used in casual communication, but often considered incorrect in formal contexts.
Think of it like this: “regard” is singular, and singular wins in formal writing. The plural version, “regards”, is typically reserved for friendly sign-offs like “Best regards”—not the start of a professional sentence.
Meaning and Usage of “With Regard To”
Definition:
With regard to is a formal phrase that introduces the subject of your sentence. It signals that you’re about to discuss a particular topic or issue.
Grammar Tip:
The word regard is singular. That’s why it’s “with regard to”, never “with regards to” in formal writing.
Usage Examples:
- Emails:
- “With regard to your application, we are pleased to inform you that you’ve been shortlisted.”
- “With regard to the upcoming project, we need to schedule a team meeting.”
- Legal Documents:
- “With regard to the terms outlined in Section 3, the lessee is responsible for all maintenance costs.”
- Academic Writing:
- “With regard to recent studies on climate change, further research is required to assess long-term impacts.”
Table of Correct Usage:
| Sentence | Correct Usage? | Notes |
| With regard to your application, we are pleased… | ✅ Correct | Formal, singular “regard” |
| With regard to this matter, further action is required | ✅ Correct | Professional context |
| With regard to the company’s policies, employees must comply | ✅ Correct | Formal business writing |
By using with regard to, you maintain a polished and professional tone. It works in nearly any situation where formality matters.
Meaning and Usage of “With Regards To”
Definition:
With regards to is often used in casual writing or informal communication. While many people use it interchangeably with with regard to, strict grammar rules consider it less correct in formal contexts.
Grammar Tip:
Regards is plural, which is why some style guides flag this version as informal. It’s best avoided in business letters or professional emails.
Examples and Nuances:
- Casual Emails:
- “With regards to your email, thanks for the update.”
- “With regards to my last message, I wanted to clarify a few points.”
- Social Messages or Letters:
- “With regards to our conversation yesterday, I’ll bring the documents tomorrow.”
Table of Informal Usage:
| Sentence | Acceptable? | Notes |
| With regards to your email, thanks for the update | ⚠️ Informal | Not ideal for formal writing |
| With regards to my previous message, I’d like to clarify | ⚠️ Informal | Fine in casual communication, risky in professional emails |
While widely understood, with regards to can come across as sloppy in formal correspondence. When in doubt, stick with with regard to.
Key Differences Summarized
To make this crystal clear, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two phrases:
| Feature | With Regard To | With Regards To |
| Grammar | Singular | Plural |
| Formality | Formal | Informal |
| Recommended in professional writing? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common in everyday email? | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Frequently |
| Style guides preference | Oxford, APA, Chicago: With regard to | Informal only |
Quick Bullet Points:
- With regard to is formal, singular, and professional.
- With regards to is informal, plural, and less precise.
- Style guides strongly prefer with regard to in business, legal, or academic contexts.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Even experienced writers get tripped up by these phrases. Here are the most common mistakes:
- Using “with regards to” in formal writing: While widely seen, it’s technically informal.
- Confusing it with “regarding” or “as regards”: These alternatives exist but have slightly different tones.
- Overusing either phrase: Repetition can make writing sound stiff.
Examples:
- ❌ Incorrect: With regards to your application…
- ✅ Correct: With regard to your application…
- ✅ Alternative: Regarding your application…
Pro Tip: If you’re writing an email to a client, manager, or professor, always use with regard to. It signals professionalism and attention to detail.
Alternatives and Safer Options
If you want to avoid confusion entirely, there are several safe alternatives:
- Regarding → “Regarding your request, we will respond shortly.”
- Concerning → “Concerning the upcoming meeting, please review the agenda.”
- In relation to → “In relation to your inquiry, we have attached the necessary documents.”
These phrases are concise, clear, and universally accepted in professional writing.
Table of Alternatives:
| Alternative | Example | Formality |
| Regarding | “Regarding your proposal, we have a few questions.” | Formal and safe |
| Concerning | “Concerning the schedule, we need your input.” | Formal, slightly old-fashioned |
| In relation to | “In relation to your feedback, we’ve made adjustments.” | Formal and precise |
Practical Tips for Writers
When you’re drafting emails, reports, or academic papers, use these rules of thumb:
- Professional writing → Always use with regard to.
- Casual emails or notes → With regards to is acceptable, but consider alternatives for clarity.
- Want to be extra safe? → Use regarding, which works in all contexts.
- Check your tone → Formal writing requires precision; informal communication allows some flexibility.
Mini Checklist:
- ✅ Is it formal or professional? → With regard to
- ✅ Is it casual or friendly? → With regards to is okay
- ✅ Need a neutral option? → Use regarding
Following these guidelines ensures your writing is polished and professional, avoiding embarrassment or confusion.
Read More: No Harm, No Foul – Meaning, Usage in Real Life
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
Case Study 1 – Business Email:
Scenario: A manager emails a team about a project update.
- ❌ Incorrect: “With regards to the project timeline, please submit updates soon.”
- ✅ Correct: “With regard to the project timeline, please submit updates by Friday.”
Analysis: Using the singular regard maintains a formal, professional tone suitable for workplace communication.
Case Study 2 – Academic Writing:
Scenario: A student writes a research paper.
- ❌ Incorrect: “With regards to previous studies, we noticed some gaps.”
- ✅ Correct: “With regard to previous studies, we noticed some gaps.”
Analysis: Academic writing requires strict adherence to formal grammar rules, making with regard to the correct choice.
Case Study 3 – Informal Email:
Scenario: A friend emails you about weekend plans.
- ✅ Acceptable: “With regards to our meeting, let’s reschedule for Sunday.”
Analysis: Casual communication allows the plural regards, but for professional clarity, with regard to would still be safer.
FAQs:
Is “with regard to” always correct in professional writing?
Yes, with regard to is the standard, widely accepted phrase in formal writing, business emails, and academic contexts, and it ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy.
Why do people still use “with regards to”?
Many people use with regards to in casual speech or everyday language because it sounds natural, even though it is generally seen as grammatically incorrect in formal contexts.
Does the extra “s” really change the meaning?
The addition of the s does not add meaning but changes the tone, making it resemble a greeting or closing phrase like best regards, which affects correctness.
Can I use “with regards to” in informal emails?
In informal messages, it may appear, but in professional contexts, it is safer to opt for with regard to to avoid mistakes.
Are there alternatives to these phrases?
Yes, alternatives like “concerning,” “relating to,” or “about” can make sentences smoother and more precise, depending on the situation.
Conclusion:
Understanding With Regard To vs. With Regards To: What’s the Difference? helps writers avoid common mistakes that quietly weaken professional writing. From my experience editing emails and academic work, this small choice often signals attention to detail and confidence in correct English.
When you consistently choose the correct form, your language becomes clear, precise, and more effective. Over time, this awareness strengthens your approach to writing, improves communication, and helps your ideas land the way you intend.
Rosie Hunt is a passionate grammar expert and language enthusiast dedicated to helping writers express their ideas with clarity and confidence. With deep expertise in linguistics and content writing, she makes mastering grammar both simple and enjoyable. Rosie believes that clear communication is the heart of great writing.
