In Regard To or In Regards To: Which Is Correct? A Simple Guide

If you have ever hesitated over in regard to or in regards to, you are not alone.

These phrases look almost identical, sound similar, and are often used in the same types of sentences.

However, there is an important difference in standard usage: in regard to is generally the preferred form when you mean “concerning,” “about,” or “with respect to.”

The plural form in regards to is widely heard and used, especially in informal communication, but many traditional style guides consider it nonstandard or less preferable in careful writing.

Understanding this distinction can help you choose the most polished wording for emails, essays, business documents, academic writing, and everyday communication.

Quick Answer: In Regard To or In Regards To?

In regard to is the standard and generally preferred expression when you mean “about,” “concerning,” or “with respect to.”

In regards to is common in modern speech and informal writing, particularly in American English, but it is often regarded as less standard.

Examples:

• Correct/preferred: In regard to your application, we need additional information.
• Preferred in formal writing: In regard to the new policy, employees should review the updated guidelines.
• Less preferred: In regards to your application, we need additional information.

For professional and academic writing, the safest choice is in regard to.

What Does “In Regard To” Mean?

In regard to means concerning, about, regarding, or with respect to something.

It is used to introduce the specific subject being discussed.

For example:

In regard to your request, we have reviewed the documents.

This means:

Regarding your request, we have reviewed the documents.

The phrase can be useful when you want to connect a statement directly to a particular topic.

Other natural alternatives include:

• regarding
• concerning
• about
• with respect to
• as for
• relating to
• in connection with
• on the subject of

Because many of these alternatives are shorter, they can sometimes make your writing more direct.

Why Is “In Regard To” the Preferred Form?

The singular noun regard has long been used in the expression in regard to to mean “with reference to” or “concerning.”

For example:

In regard to your question, the answer is yes.

Here, regard does not mean personal respect or admiration. Instead, the phrase functions as a formal prepositional expression meaning “concerning.”

The plural regards has its own established uses, particularly in expressions such as give my regards or best regards. This difference may help explain why some style-conscious writers prefer keeping the fixed expression in regard to singular.

What Does “In Regards To” Mean?

In regards to is a frequently heard variation of in regard to.

It generally conveys the same intended meaning:

In regards to your email, I have attached the requested document.

Most readers will understand this sentence immediately. However, if your goal is polished formal English, in regard to is the safer choice.

“In regards to” is not usually the best option for formal documents when a simpler, established alternative is available.

Instead, write:

In regard to your email, I have attached the requested document.

Or, even more naturally:

Regarding your email, I have attached the requested document.

In Regard To vs In Regards To: Comparison Table

Expression	Meaning	Standard in formal writing?	Example
in regard to	concerning/about	Yes	In regard to your request, we need more information.
in regards to	concerning/about	Less preferred	In regards to your request, we need more information.
regarding	concerning/about	Yes	Regarding your request, we need more information.
with regard to	concerning/about	Yes	With regard to your request, we need more information.
in relation to	concerning/about	Yes	In relation to your request, we need more information.
about	concerning	Yes	About your request, we need more information.

The most important point is that in regard to and with regard to are established formal expressions.

Examples of “In Regard To”

Here are natural examples of in regard to in different situations:

1. In regard to your application, we will contact you next week.
2. I am writing in regard to the position advertised on your website.
3. We have several questions in regard to the proposed changes.
4. In regard to your complaint, our team has completed its investigation.
5. The company released a statement in regard to the recent announcement.
6. Please contact the office in regard to your appointment.
7. In regard to your payment, the balance has now been cleared.
8. We need clarification in regard to the contract.
9. In regard to your question, there are several possible answers.
10. The committee reached a decision in regard to the proposal.

These examples show how the phrase works naturally in business, academic, administrative, and everyday contexts.

“In Regard To” vs “With Regard To”

You may also encounter with regard to. This is completely standard and has essentially the same meaning as in regard to.

For example:

With regard to your application, we will respond shortly.

This means the same thing as:

In regard to your application, we will respond shortly.

Both are appropriate in formal writing.

However, with regard to may sound slightly more natural in some contexts because it is a very established expression.

Other related forms include:

• with regard to
• in regard to
• with regards to
• in regards to

The last two can cause confusion because regards is also a normal plural noun in other expressions.

“With Regards To” vs “With Regard To”

This is another common point of confusion.

In formal standard usage, with regard to is generally preferred.

For example:

With regard to your recent request, we have made the necessary changes.

The form with regards to is common in everyday speech and informal writing, but many editors and style-conscious writers prefer with regard to.

There is an important distinction, however, between this phrase and the closing:

Best regards,

Here, regards is completely correct because it means good wishes or greetings.

So:

With regard to the issue → concerning the issue

Best regards → a polite closing

American vs British English Differences

The basic preference for in regard to is not fundamentally different between American and British English. Both varieties recognize in regard to and with regard to as established expressions.

However, usage frequency and stylistic preferences can vary among speakers, regions, organizations, and publications.

In American English, in regards to is particularly common in everyday speech and informal communication. Many speakers use it naturally without considering it an error.

British English also has speakers who use plural forms such as in regards to, but formal writing generally favors established constructions such as in regard to, with regard to, or simply regarding.

For international professional communication, regarding is an especially useful choice because it is concise, clear, and unlikely to cause disagreement over style.

Common Mistakes With These Expressions

Mistake 1: Using “In Regards To” in Formal Writing

Although widely understood, in regards to can look less polished in formal documents.

Instead of:

In regards to your application, we need more information.

Use:

In regard to your application, we need more information.

Or:

Regarding your application, we need more information.

Mistake 2: Confusing “Regards” With “Regard”

The word regard can mean consideration or attention, while regards can mean greetings or good wishes.

For example:

She has great regard for her mentor.

But:

Please give my regards to your family.

These are different uses of the word.

Mistake 3: Overusing Formal Expressions

Even when in regard to is grammatically appropriate, it can sometimes make writing unnecessarily wordy.

For example:

In regard to the meeting scheduled for Friday, I would like to confirm my attendance.

A simpler version is:

Regarding Friday’s meeting, I would like to confirm my attendance.

Or:

I would like to confirm my attendance at Friday’s meeting.

Good writing is not only about correctness. It is also about clarity and efficiency.

Is “In Regard To” Too Formal?

Not necessarily. In regard to is formal but perfectly acceptable.

It works well in:

• business emails
• academic writing
• official correspondence
• reports
• applications
• legal or administrative documents
• professional communication

However, regarding is often more concise.

Compare:

In regard to your request, we have reviewed the information.

with:

Regarding your request, we have reviewed the information.

Both are correct, but the second is shorter and more direct.

Better Alternatives to “In Regard To”

If you want your writing to sound natural and modern, consider these alternatives:

Regarding

Regarding your application, we need additional documents.

Concerning

Concerning the new policy, employees will receive further instructions.

About

I am writing about your recent request.

With Respect To

With respect to the contract, several changes are required.

In Relation To

The report discusses several issues in relation to workplace safety.

Choosing the right alternative depends on your audience and the level of formality you want.

When Should You Use “In Regard To”?

Use in regard to when you need a formal way to introduce the subject of a statement.

It is especially useful when:

• responding to a specific request
• referring to an earlier message
• discussing a particular issue
• introducing a topic in formal correspondence
• connecting a statement to a specific matter

For everyday communication, though, about or regarding may sound more natural.

Is “In Regard To” Grammatically Correct?

Yes. In regard to is grammatically correct and established in standard English.

For example:

In regard to the proposed schedule, we have a few concerns.

The phrase acts as a prepositional expression and means “concerning the proposed schedule.”

The confusion mainly comes from the competing form in regards to, which is common in speech but less favored by many formal style guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “in regard to” correct?

Yes. In regard to is a standard and grammatically acceptable expression meaning “concerning” or “about.”

Is “in regards to” grammatically wrong?

It is widely used and understood, particularly in informal speech, but it is generally less preferred in careful formal writing. In regard to is the safer choice.

Which is better: “in regard to” or “regarding”?

Both are correct. Regarding is usually shorter and more direct, while in regard to has a more formal tone.

Is “with regard to” correct?

Yes. With regard to is a standard expression meaning “concerning” or “with respect to.”

Should I use “in regards to” in a business email?

For a polished business email, it is better to use in regard to, with regard to, or regarding.

What is the difference between “regard” and “regards”?

Regard can mean consideration, respect, or attention. Regards can refer to greetings or good wishes, as in “Best regards.”

Is “in regard to” formal English?

Yes. It is a formal and established expression. In casual writing, about or regarding may sound more conversational.

Can I replace “in regard to” with “regarding”?

Yes. In many sentences, regarding is an excellent replacement because it carries essentially the same meaning in a shorter form.

Final Summary

When choosing between in regard to or in regards to, the best option for formal and polished English is generally in regard to. It means “concerning,” “about,” or “with respect to” and is appropriate for professional emails, academic writing, reports, applications, and official communication. With regard to is another standard alternative with the same basic meaning.

Although in regards to is common in everyday speech and informal writing, it is less favored by many editors and traditional style guides. That does not mean readers will fail to understand it; rather, choosing in regard to or the simpler regarding helps your writing sound more precise and conventional.

Actionable Takeaway

When writing, use this simple rule:

• Formal writing: choose in regard to or with regard to
• Concise modern writing: choose regarding
• Casual writing: about is often the most natural choice
• Avoid in formal writing: in regards to, unless you have a specific style reason to use it
• Email closing: Best regards is completely correct

If you remember only one thing, remember this: “in regard to” is the safest formal choice, while “regarding” is often the clearest and most concise choice.