With regard to or with regards to is a common English phrase comparison that confuses many writers. The two expressions look almost identical, but the extra s can change the meaning and grammatical function.
If you are writing an email, report, application, business letter, academic paper, or professional message, you may stop and wonder: Should I write with regard to or with regards to?
The short answer is that with regard to is the standard phrase when you mean about, concerning, or regarding something. With regards to is also used by many English speakers with this meaning, especially in modern informal and business communication, but traditional grammar and formal style generally prefer with regard to.
There is also another expression, regards, that means good wishes or greetings. That is why the forms can become confusing.
In this guide, you will learn the difference between with regard to and with regards to, which one is grammatically preferred, how native speakers use them, whether there is a US–UK difference, and which form is best for professional writing.
Quick Answer: With Regard to or With Regards to?
With regard to is the traditional and generally preferred form when you mean about, concerning, or in relation to.
- With regard to your application, we need more information. ✅
- With regards to your application, we need more information. ⚠️ Commonly used, but less traditionally preferred in formal English.
For formal, academic, and professional writing, choose with regard to.
However, with regards to is not usually misunderstood. It is a widespread modern variant, especially in business communication. The safest choice is still with regard to.
Quick rule: When you mean concerning, use with regard to. When you mean good wishes, use regards.
With Regard to vs With Regards to: Comparison Table
| Feature | With regard to | With regards to |
|---|---|---|
| Basic meaning | About or concerning | Usually about or concerning |
| Standard formal usage | Preferred | Less preferred |
| Grammar | Fixed prepositional phrase | Common variant |
| Meaning | In relation to something | Usually the same |
| Tone | Formal and professional | Common but slightly less traditional |
| Business writing | Recommended | Often seen |
| Academic writing | Recommended | Usually avoided |
| Everyday conversation | Correct but formal | Common in some speech |
| US English | Widely accepted | Used, but less formal |
| UK English | Strongly established | Commonly heard and written |
| Is it understandable? | Yes | Yes |
| Best choice for formal writing | Yes | Usually no |
| Example | With regard to your request… | With regards to your request… |
| Easy replacement | Regarding your request… | Regarding your request… |
The simplest recommendation
If you are unsure, write:
With regard to…
You can also use:
- Regarding…
- Concerning…
- In relation to…
- As for…
- About…
What Does With Regard to Mean?
With regard to is a formal phrase meaning:With Regard to or With Regards to.
- about
- concerning
- regarding
- in relation to
- in respect of
It introduces the subject or issue being discussed.
Examples
- With regard to your recent email, we have reviewed the issue.
- With regard to the new policy, employees should follow the updated guidelines.
- With regard to your question, the answer is yes.
- With regard to the project deadline, we may need additional time.
In each sentence, with regard to simply tells the reader what the sentence is about.
The basic pattern
The structure is:
With regard to + noun or noun phrase
For example:
- with regard to your application
- with regard to the meeting
- with regard to your request
- with regard to the new law
- with regard to customer service
Why is regard singular?
This is the point that causes the most confusion.With Regard to or With Regards to.
In the phrase with regard to, regard is a singular noun. The phrase developed as a fixed expression meaning in relation to or concerning.
The word regard can have several meanings in English. It can mean:
- attention
- consideration
- respect
- relation
In with regard to, the meaning is close to in relation to.
Therefore:
With regard to the issue = In relation to the issue
The phrase does not mean with one good wish or with one greeting.
What Does With Regards to Mean?
With regards to is commonly used to mean the same thing as with regard to:
about, concerning, or regarding.
For example:
- With regards to your order, we have a quick update.
- With regards to the meeting, please arrive at 9 a.m.
Most readers understand this meaning immediately.
However, many traditional grammar references and professional editors consider with regard to the more standard form when the phrase means concerning.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Why does the extra s appear?
The word regards is a real English word. It is commonly used in expressions such as:
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Give my regards to your family
In these expressions, regards means good wishes, greetings, or expressions of respect.
Because regards is familiar, some speakers naturally add the s to with regard to.
This creates:
with regards to
The phrase is now widely used, but the traditional form remains:
with regard to
Is with regards to completely wrong?
Not necessarily.
In modern English, with regards to is widely understood and frequently used. It is not normally a communication problem.
However, if you want to follow conservative grammar and formal writing conventions, with regard to is the better choice.With Regard to or With Regards to.
With Regard to or With Regards to: The Key Difference
The main difference is standard preference, not usually meaning.
With regard to
Use this form when you mean:
about something or concerning something.
Example:
With regard to your complaint, we are investigating the matter.
This is the safest form for:
- formal emails
- business letters
- academic writing
- reports
- official documents
- professional communication
With regards to
This form is commonly used with the same meaning:
about or concerning.
Example:
With regards to your complaint, we are investigating the matter.
The meaning is usually clear, but many editors prefer the singular form.With Regard to or With Regards to.
The practical difference
You can remember it this way:
Formal writing → with regard to
Modern variant → with regards to
If you are writing something important and do not want to risk criticism, choose with regard to.
Why Do People Confuse With Regard to and With Regards to?
There are several reasons.
The phrase sounds natural with regards
English speakers often hear:
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Warm regards
Because regards is common at the end of emails, people may automatically use with regards to.
The meaning seems logical
A writer may think:
I am talking about several matters, so perhaps I should use regards.
But the s does not indicate a plural meaning here.
The phrase with regard to is a fixed expression. Its meaning is not based on counting individual “regards.”With Regard to or With Regards to.
Everyday usage influences grammar
Language changes through repeated use.
When enough speakers use with regards to, the expression becomes familiar. This is why you may see it in emails, workplace communication, websites, and business documents.With Regard to or With Regards to.
However, frequency does not always mean that a form is the best choice for formal writing.
Is With Regard to Grammatically Correct?
Yes.
With regard to is grammatically correct and widely accepted.
It functions as a formal prepositional phrase.
Example
With regard to your request, we need additional information.
The phrase with regard to your request tells us the subject of the sentence.
You can often replace it with:
- Regarding your request…
- Concerning your request…
- In relation to your request…
Compare the examples
With regard to the budget, we need to make some changes.
Regarding the budget, we need to make some changes.
Concerning the budget, we need to make some changes.
All three sentences communicate almost the same idea.
Is With Regards to Grammatically Correct?
The answer depends on the style standard being followed.
With regards to is common in modern English and is understood by most readers. However, traditional usage guides often recommend with regard to instead.With Regard to or With Regards to.
This means that the phrase exists in real-world usage, but it is not usually the preferred form in careful formal writing.
A useful way to think about it
There are three different questions:
- Will readers understand it?
Usually, yes. - Is it commonly used?
Yes. - Is it the safest formal choice?
Usually, no. With regard to is safer.
With Regard to vs With Regards to in Formal Writing
Formal writing requires precision and consistency.
When writing:
- a job application
- a business proposal
- a legal document
- an academic assignment
- a formal complaint
- an official report
the best option is:
With regard to
Example: Formal email
With regard to your interview, we would like to invite you to the next stage of the process.With Regard to or With Regards to.
This sounds professional and polished.
Less preferred version
With regards to your interview, we would like to invite you to the next stage of the process.
The meaning is clear, but the singular form is generally the stronger editorial choice.
An even more natural alternative
In many professional emails, regarding is shorter and cleaner:
Regarding your interview, we would like to invite you to the next stage of the process.
This can sound less wordy than with regard to.
With Regard to vs With Regards to in Business Emails
Business communication often uses these expressions.
Recommended
With regard to your invoice, we have identified a small discrepancy.
Also natural
Regarding your invoice, we have identified a small discrepancy.
Common but less traditional
With regards to your invoice, we have identified a small discrepancy.
For a professional email, the best choices are usually:
- Regarding
- With regard to
- Concerning
Example email sentences
- With regard to your proposal, we have several questions.
- Regarding the delivery date, we can offer two options.
- With regard to the contract, please review Section 4.With Regard to or With Regards to.
- Concerning your request, our team will respond shortly.
With Regard to vs With Regards to in Academic Writing
Academic writing usually values clarity, precision, and concise language.
With regard to is acceptable in academic writing, but it may sometimes sound unnecessarily formal or wordy.
Example
With regard to the results, the data shows a clear trend.
This is grammatically acceptable.
A more direct alternative is:
Regarding the results, the data shows a clear trend.
Or:
The results show a clear trend.
The final version is often the strongest because it removes unnecessary introductory wording.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Academic writing tip
Do not use with regard to simply to make your writing sound more sophisticated.
Choose it when the phrase genuinely improves the sentence.
With Regard to vs With Regards to in Everyday Conversation
In casual conversation, people often use simpler expressions.
Instead of:
With regard to your weekend plans…
a friend might say:
- About your weekend plans…
- Speaking of your weekend plans…
- As for your weekend plans…
Example
With regard to dinner, what do you want to eat?
This is grammatically correct but sounds quite formal in casual speech.
A natural conversational version is:
About dinner, what do you want to eat?
Or:
As for dinner, what do you want to eat?
This is an important point: correct does not always mean natural in every situation.
The Grammar Behind With Regard to
Let’s examine the phrase more closely.With Regard to or With Regards to.
With
With is a preposition.
Regard
Regard is a noun in this expression.
To
To is a preposition that introduces the subject being discussed.
The entire phrase functions as a prepositional expression.
Sentence structure
With regard to + topic, + main clause
For example:
With regard to the new schedule, employees should arrive earlier.
The phrase with regard to the new schedule introduces the topic.
Another structure
You can also place it later in the sentence:
We have made several changes with regard to the new schedule.
Both positions are possible.
Is Regard a Verb or a Noun?
The word regard can be both a verb and a noun.
Regard as a verb
We regard her as an excellent leader.
Here, regard means consider.
Regard as a noun
He has great regard for his teacher.
Here, regard means respect or esteem.
Regard in the phrase
In with regard to, it is part of a fixed noun phrase.
With regard to the problem means:
In relation to the problem.
This is why you should not treat the phrase as if regards were simply a plural version of the same grammatical structure.With Regard to or With Regards to.
20 Real-Life Examples of With Regard to
Here are original examples from different contexts.
1. Everyday conversation
With regard to dinner, I am happy with anything you choose.
2. Casual message
With regard to tomorrow, are we still meeting at noon?
3. Text message
With regard to the tickets, I bought two extra ones.
4. Business email
With regard to your proposal, our team will respond by Friday.
5. Customer service
With regard to your refund, the payment has now been processed.
6. Workplace communication
With regard to the new schedule, please check the updated calendar.
7. Job application
With regard to the position, I would be pleased to provide further information.
8. School writing
With regard to the experiment, the results were different from our expectations.
9. Academic writing
With regard to the second theory, further research is necessary.
10. Professional report
With regard to employee safety, several improvements have been recommended.
11. Formal complaint
With regard to my previous complaint, I have not yet received a response.
12. Legal-style writing
With regard to the agreement, both parties must follow the stated conditions.
13. Social media caption
With regard to today’s plans, coffee comes first.
14. Team announcement
With regard to Friday’s event, everyone should arrive by 6 p.m.
15. Customer question
With regard to your order, could you please confirm the delivery address?
16. Daily speaking
With regard to the movie, I thought the ending was surprising.
17. Workplace chat
With regard to the report, I have finished the first section.With Regard to or With Regards to.
18. University essay
With regard to public opinion, the survey reveals an interesting pattern.
19. Formal notice
With regard to the upcoming changes, all staff members will receive further guidance.
20. Professional recommendation
With regard to your request, I recommend contacting the appropriate department.
10 Examples of With Regards to in Real-World Usage
The following examples show how people commonly use the variant.
Example 1
With regards to your question, the answer depends on the situation.
Example 2
With regards to the meeting, please bring the latest report.
Example 3
With regards to your application, we need one additional document.
Example 4
With regards to the new policy, employees will receive training.
Example 5
With regards to your order, the shipment has been delayed.
Example 6
With regards to the project, we have made good progress.
Example 7
With regards to your request, we are reviewing the available options.
Example 8
With regards to the payment, everything has now been confirmed.
Example 9
With regards to the schedule, the meeting has been moved.
Example 10
With regards to the issue you mentioned, our team is investigating it.
These sentences are easy to understand. However, if you are editing formal content, with regard to is usually the better choice.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Common Mistakes With Regard to and With Regards to
Mistake 1: Using with regards to in formal writing
Less preferred:
With regards to your application, we have made a decision.
Preferred:
With regard to your application, we have made a decision.
Why?
The singular form is the traditional standard for the meaning concerning.
Mistake 2: Confusing regards with regard
Incorrect idea:
I used regards because I am discussing several things.
The number of topics does not determine whether regard should be singular or plural.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Correct:
With regard to the three issues, we need more information.
Mistake 3: Using the phrase too often
Wordy:
With regard to the budget, with regard to the schedule, and with regard to the staff, several changes are necessary.
Better:
Several changes are necessary regarding the budget, schedule, and staff.
Repeated use can make writing sound heavy.
Mistake 4: Using formal language in a casual message
Overly formal:
With regard to your weekend plans, I would like to inquire about your availability.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Natural:
Are you free this weekend?
The best phrase depends on the audience and situation.
Mistake 5: Confusing with regard to with in regard to
Both with regard to and in regard to are used to mean concerning.
Examples:
- With regard to your question…
- In regard to your question…
However, with regard to is extremely common and widely recognized.
Mistake 6: Confusing regards with greetings
With regard to your message means:
Concerning your message.
Best regards means:
A polite closing or good wishes.
These are different uses.
With Regard to vs Regarding
Regarding is often the simplest alternative to with regard to.
Compare
With regard to your request, we need more information.
Regarding your request, we need more information.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Both are correct.
Which sounds more concise?
Usually:
Regarding
Which sounds more formal?
Both can be formal, but with regard to can sound slightly more traditional or bureaucratic.
Best practice
Use regarding when you want a shorter sentence.
Use with regard to when the phrase fits the tone of your writing.
With Regard to vs In Regard to
These expressions are very similar.
With regard to
With regard to the contract, we have several concerns.With Regard to or With Regards to.
In regard to
In regard to the contract, we have several concerns.
Both mean:
concerning the contract
However, many writers prefer with regard to because it is a familiar fixed expression.
You can also use:
- regarding
- concerning
- in relation to
- as for
With Regard to vs In Regards To
In regards to is also commonly seen, but many traditional editors prefer:
In regard to
or:
With regard to
The same basic principle applies: when the phrase means concerning, the singular form is traditionally preferred.
Formal recommendation
Use:
With regard to
or:
In regard to
For the cleanest modern style, use:
Regarding
Does American English Prefer One Form?
American English uses both with regard to and with regards to in real-world With Regard to or With Regards to.communication.
However, with regard to remains a safe and widely accepted formal choice.
American professional writing often prefers concise alternatives such as:
- regarding
- about
- concerning
The key issue is not that one form is impossible in American English. The issue is that with regard to is the more conservative choice for formal editing.
Does British English Prefer One Form?
British English also uses both forms in everyday and professional contexts.
With regard to is the traditional form.
With regards to is commonly encountered, especially in business communication and speech.
For formal British English, academic writing, and careful editorial work, with regard to remains the safest option.
Important point
This is not a simple US-versus-UK difference.
Both varieties use both forms.
The main difference is formal preference versus common modern usage.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Is With Regards to More Informal?
Usually, yes, in the sense that it is less traditional and less preferred in formal edited writing.
However, it is not necessarily slang or extremely casual.
You may see with regards to in:
- emails
- workplace messages
- business websites
- conversations
- formal-looking documents
Therefore, calling it simply informal would be too strong.
A better description is:
With regards to is a common modern variant, while with regard to is the safer traditional choice for formal writing.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Memory Tricks for Remembering the Difference
Memory trick 1: One topic, one regard
When you are discussing one subject, think:
With regard to one topic
This helps you remember the singular form.
Memory trick 2: Regard = regarding
The phrase:
With regard to
can be replaced with:
Regarding
So remember:
regard → regarding
Memory trick 3: Regards belongs at the end
Think of:
Best regards
That expression belongs at the end of a message.With Regard to or With Regards to.
When you are introducing a topic at the beginning of a sentence, use:
With regard to
Memory trick 4: Formal writing chooses the singular
When in doubt:
Formal? Use regard.
This is not a perfect rule for every situation, but it is an excellent practical guide.
Better Alternatives to With Regard to
Sometimes the best way to improve your writing is to replace the phrase completely.
Use regarding
Regarding your application, we need more information.
Use concerning
Concerning the proposed changes, we have several questions.
Use about
About your request, I will speak with the manager.
This is more conversational.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Use in relation to
In relation to the new policy, employees must complete training.
This is formal and precise.
Use as for
As for the schedule, we can discuss it tomorrow.
This is more conversational.
Use about in everyday speech
Instead of:
With regard to your plans for tonight…
Say:
What are your plans for tonight?
Direct language is often the most natural language.
When Should You Use With Regard To?
Use with regard to when:
- you are writing formally
- With Regard to or With Regards to
- you are responding to a specific issue
- you are writing a professional email
- you are preparing a report
- you are writing an official notice
- you want a traditional, safe expression
Example
With regard to your recent request, we have approved the proposed changes.
When Should You Avoid With Regard To?
Avoid it when:
- the sentence becomes unnecessarily long
- a simpler word works better
- you are speaking casually
- the phrase appears repeatedly
- the sentence sounds bureaucratic
Wordy
With regard to the matter of your request, we would like to state that…
Better
Regarding your request, we can confirm that…
Even clearer
We can confirm that your request has been approved.
Good writing is not about using the most formal phrase. It is about choosing the clearest phrase.With Regard to or With Regards to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is with regard to or with regards to correct?
With regard to is the traditional and generally preferred form when the phrase means about or concerning. With regards to is a common modern variant, but it is usually less preferred in formal writing.
Is with regards to grammatically wrong?
Not necessarily. With regards to is widely used and understood. However, many traditional grammar and style recommendations prefer with regard to for the meaning concerning.
Which is better in a formal email: with regard to or with regards to?
Use with regard to. It is the safer and more traditional choice for formal emails, business communication, reports, and official writing.
Can I use with regard to in academic writing?
Yes. With regard to is grammatically acceptable in academic writing. However, regarding or a more direct sentence may sometimes be clearer and more concise.
Is with regard to the same as regarding?
Usually, yes. Both can mean about, concerning, or in relation to.
For example:
- With regard to the issue…
- Regarding the issue…
These sentences have essentially the same meaning.
What is the difference between with regard to and best regards?
With regard to means concerning or about.
Best regards is a polite email or letter closing that expresses good wishes.
They are completely different uses of the word regard.
Is with regards to more common in British English?
Both forms are used in British English. With regard to is the traditional formal form, while with regards to is also commonly encountered in modern usage.
Can I use with regard to in casual conversation?
Yes, but it may sound formal. In everyday conversation, about, regarding, or as for may sound more natural.
What is the simplest alternative to with regard to?
The simplest alternative is usually:
Regarding
Depending on the context, you can also use about, concerning, or in relation to.
Final Verdict: With Regard to or With Regards to?
The answer is clear:
With regard to is the preferred traditional form when you mean about, concerning, or in relation to.
With regards to is a common modern variant that many people use and understand, but it is not usually the best choice when you want the most formal and traditionally accepted wording.
Use this:
With regard to your application, we need more information.
Use this in casual writing if you prefer a shorter option:
Regarding your application, we need more information.
Be careful with this:
With regards to your application…
It is understandable and widely used, but with regard to is the safer choice for professional, academic, and formal writing.
Best practice: When you mean concerning, choose with regard to. When you want a shorter, more direct style, choose regarding.
So, if you are ever unsure about with regard to or with regards to, remember the simple rule:
Formal and traditional English → with regard to.
Modern variant → with regards to.
Clear and concise alternative → regarding.
Lucas Turner is an English language educator and content writer passionate about making grammar and communication easy to understand. He creates practical, beginner-friendly learning resources to help students and professionals improve their English with confidence.