Have you ever paused while writing an email or formal document and wondered whether you should write “with regard to” or “with regards to”? You’re not alone. These two expressions look very similar, but many writers are unsure which version is grammatically correct and which one sounds more natural.
Understanding the difference can help you communicate more clearly in professional emails, business correspondence, academic writing, and everyday English.
In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning of both phrases, their correct usage, common mistakes to avoid, and whether American and British English treat them differently.
Quick Answer
“With regard to” is the standard and grammatically preferred expression in both American and British English.
“With regards to” is widely used in informal speech and writing, particularly in British English, but many style guides consider it less formal or unnecessary.
Example:
✅ With regard to your application, we will contact you next week.
⚠️ With regards to your application, we will contact you next week.
While both are commonly understood, with regard to is usually the safer choice in formal writing.
What Does “With Regard To” Mean?
The phrase with regard to means:
- Concerning
- Regarding
- About
- In relation to
- With reference to
It is a formal expression used to introduce a topic or specify what is being discussed.
Examples
- With regard to your recent inquiry, we have updated the information.
- The manager spoke with regard to the company’s future plans.
- We would like to clarify several points with regard to the agreement.
- With regard to safety procedures, all employees must complete training.
In each example, the phrase simply means “about” or “concerning.”
What Does “With Regards To” Mean?
The phrase with regards to is commonly used by many native speakers, especially in conversational English. It carries the same intended meaning as with regard to, but it is generally considered a less formal variation.
Some language experts argue that the plural word regards is unnecessary because the traditional expression has always been with regard to.
Examples
- With regards to your question, the answer is yes.
- We have received updates with regards to the project timeline.
- With regards to customer feedback, improvements are being implemented.
Although these sentences are understandable, many editors would replace with regards to with with regard to.
With Regard To vs With Regards To: Key Difference
The primary difference is one of standard usage and formality, not meaning.
| Feature | With Regard To | With Regards To |
| Meaning | Concerning or about | Concerning or about |
| Grammar | Traditionally correct | Informal variation |
| Formal Writing | Preferred | Usually avoided |
| Business Communication | Recommended | Less preferred |
| Academic Writing | Recommended | Often edited out |
| Everyday Conversation | Common | Common |
| American English | Strongly preferred | Less common |
| British English | Preferred but variation exists | More frequently heard |
For professional and academic contexts, with regard to remains the better choice.
Why Is “With Regard To” Considered More Correct?
Historically, the expression developed from the noun regard, meaning consideration, attention, or reference.
The phrase with regard to literally means “in reference to” or “concerning.”
Adding the plural regards likely arose through analogy with expressions such as:
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Warm regards
However, these phrases use regards in a completely different sense, referring to greetings or good wishes.
As a result, many grammar experts consider with regards to a non-standard extension of the original phrase.
Examples of Correct Usage
Here are some examples showing how with regard to works in different situations.
Business Writing
- With regard to your invoice, payment has been processed.
- We are writing with regard to the upcoming meeting.
Academic Writing
- The study provides new evidence with regard to climate change.
- Researchers examined several factors with regard to student performance.
Formal Emails
- With regard to your request, additional information is attached.
- I am contacting you with regard to the advertised position.
Legal and Professional Documents
- The parties agree with regard to the terms outlined below.
- Further discussion is required with regard to contractual obligations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many writers make avoidable errors when using these expressions.
Using “Regards” in Formal Documents
Formal reports, contracts, and academic papers should generally use with regard to.
❌ With regards to the research findings…
✅ With regard to the research findings…
Overusing the Phrase
Because it sounds formal, some writers use it too frequently.
Instead of repeatedly writing:
- With regard to the budget…
- With regard to staffing…
- With regard to marketing…
Consider alternatives such as:
- Regarding
- Concerning
- About
- In relation to
Confusing It with Email Closings
People sometimes connect with regards to with email sign-offs.
Remember:
✅ Kind regards
✅ Best regards
✅ Warm regards
But:
✅ With regard to the issue
These expressions serve different purposes.
Alternatives to “With Regard To”
To improve readability, you can vary your language with similar phrases.
Formal Alternatives
- Regarding
- Concerning
- In relation to
- With reference to
- Pertaining to
Neutral Alternatives
- About
- On the topic of
- Related to
Examples
- Regarding your application, we need additional documents.
- Concerning the meeting, the schedule has changed.
- In relation to the project, several updates are available.
These alternatives often sound more natural and concise.
American English vs British English
Both American and British English recognize with regard to as the standard expression.
However, there are slight usage differences.
American English
American writers generally favor with regard to in both formal and informal contexts.
Many American style guides recommend avoiding with regards to because it is considered less standard.
British English
British speakers may use with regards to more frequently in everyday conversation and informal writing.
Even so, most formal British publications, universities, and organizations still prefer with regard to.
Therefore, regardless of your audience, with regard to remains the safest and most professional option.
When Should You Use “With Regard To”?
Use with regard to when:
- Writing professional emails
- Creating business documents
- Drafting legal materials
- Preparing academic papers
- Communicating formally
- Referring to a specific topic
Example Sentences
- With regard to your complaint, we are conducting an investigation.
- With regard to future plans, the company will expand internationally.
- With regard to employee benefits, new policies will take effect next month.
- With regard to the contract, all parties have agreed to the revised terms.
FAQs
Is “with regards to” grammatically incorrect?
Not exactly. It is widely understood and commonly used, but many grammar experts and style guides prefer with regard to, especially in formal writing.
Which is more formal: “with regard to” or “with regards to”?
With regard to is considered more formal and professional.
Do both phrases mean the same thing?
Yes. Both generally mean about, concerning, or in relation to.
Is “with regards to” common in British English?
Yes. It appears more often in informal British English than in American English, though formal writing still usually favors with regard to.
Can I use “regarding” instead?
Absolutely. Regarding is a concise and widely accepted alternative.
Which phrase should I use in a business email?
Use with regard to because it is the standard form and sounds more professional.
Is “with regard to” old-fashioned?
No. It remains a common expression in professional, academic, and legal writing.
What is the simplest alternative?
The simplest alternatives are about and regarding.
Summary
The debate over with regard to or with regards to comes down primarily to convention rather than meaning. Both expressions are understood to mean concerning, about, or in relation to a particular subject. However, with regard to is the traditional and widely accepted form used in formal writing, business communication, legal documents, and academic contexts.
While with regards to appears regularly in conversation and informal writing especially in some British English settings it is often viewed as less standard. If you want to sound professional, polished, and grammatically precise, choosing with regard to is usually the best decision.
Actionable Takeaway
Whenever you’re writing a formal email, report, article, or professional document, use with regard to as your default choice. It is widely accepted across both American and British English and is unlikely to be questioned by editors, employers, or readers.
For smoother writing, occasionally replace it with alternatives such as regarding, concerning, or in relation to. This improves readability while maintaining a professional tone.
Edward Axel is the administrator of SyntaxlyHub, responsible for overseeing site operations, content management, and technical performance. He ensures accuracy, consistency, and smooth functionality while supporting the team in delivering reliable, high-quality grammar resources and a user-friendly learning experience for readers worldwide.
