Many English learners get confused by with regard to and with regards to because the two phrases sound almost identical and both appear in real writing. The extra s looks small, but in English grammar, small changes can matter a lot. That matters in everyday writing, speaking, exams, and professional communication because a phrase that looks slightly off can make your English seem less polished, especially in formal emails, business writing, academic work, and reports.
The good news is that this topic is simple once you know the rule. In standard English, with regard to is the preferred and more widely accepted form. With regards to is often considered incorrect or at least less preferred in careful writing, even though many people use it in speech and casual messages. In this article, you will learn the meaning, correct usage, spelling difference, grammar rules, sentence examples, common mistakes, and memory tips so you can use the phrase confidently and naturally.
What Does “With Regard To” Mean?
The phrase with regard to means:
- concerning
- regarding
- about
- in relation to
It is a formal phrase used to introduce a topic or subject.
Examples
- With regard to your request, we will reply soon.
- With regard to the meeting, there have been some changes.
- With regard to your question, the answer is yes.
Simple meaning table
| Phrase | Meaning | Tone |
| with regard to | concerning, regarding | formal, standard |
| regarding | concerning | formal, direct |
| about | concerning | neutral, common |
| in relation to | concerning, connected with | formal |
What the phrase does
It helps you:
- introduce a subject
- sound professional
- connect one idea to another
- make formal writing clearer
A simple way to remember it
Think of with regard to as another way of saying about or concerning, but in a more formal style.
Examples:
- With regard to the report = about the report
- With regard to your message = concerning your message
Is “With Regards To” Correct?
This is the biggest question. In standard English, with regard to is the correct and preferred phrase.
Why “with regards to” causes confusion
The word regards is a real noun and verb:
- regards = greetings
- to regard = to consider or think about
So learners assume with regards to should also be correct. But in standard formal English, it is usually not preferred.
Comparison table: correct vs less preferred
| Phrase | Status | Notes |
| with regard to | correct, standard | preferred in formal writing |
| with regards to | often considered incorrect or nonstandard | common in speech, less preferred in careful writing |
Why the extra “s” is a problem
The phrase is not built from the greeting regards. It is built from the noun regard, meaning concern or attention.
- regard = attention, respect, concern
- regards = greetings or second-person use in other contexts
So with regard to is the logical phrase.
Examples
- Correct: With regard to your application, we need more time.
- Less preferred: With regards to your application, we need more time.
Important note
You will see with regards to in real-world writing, especially online or in casual business messages. But if you want the most correct, standard form, use with regard to.
Grammar Rules Behind the Phrase
The phrase with regard to is a prepositional phrase. It introduces the subject being discussed.
Basic structure
with regard to + noun / noun phrase
Examples:
- With regard to the budget
- With regard to your question
- With regard to the new policy
Grammar table
| Structure | Example | Function |
| with regard to + noun phrase | with regard to the budget | introduces a topic |
| regarding + noun phrase | regarding the budget | introduces a topic |
| about + noun phrase | about the budget | introduces a topic |
Where it appears
It often comes:
- at the beginning of a sentence
- in formal emails
- in official letters
- in reports
- in academic writing
Examples:
- With regard to the new schedule, please see the attached file.
- With regard to your question, I have included the answer below.
- With regard to our discussion, the decision remains unchanged.
Why grammar matters here
The phrase sounds formal because it:
- introduces a topic clearly
- works well in official writing
- helps maintain a polished tone
More natural alternatives
Sometimes simpler words are better:
- about
- regarding
- concerning
- in relation to
- as for
Examples:
- About your question, I can help.
- Regarding your question, I can help.
- With regard to your question, I can help.
Comparison table: formal vs simple alternatives
| Formal phrase | Simple alternative | Example |
| with regard to | about | With regard to the issue… |
| regarding | about | Regarding the issue… |
| in relation to | about/connected to | In relation to the issue… |
| as for | about | As for the issue… |
Practical tip
If you are writing something formal, with regard to is a strong choice. If you want a shorter, more direct style, regarding or about may be easier.
Sentence Examples: Correct and Incorrect Usage
Examples are the easiest way to see the difference.
Correct examples with “with regard to”
- With regard to your request, we will respond tomorrow.
- With regard to the invoice, there is a small error.
- With regard to your email, I have one question.
- With regard to the report, the manager was satisfied.
- With regard to the policy, no changes have been made.
More real-life examples
- With regard to your application, we need additional documents.
- With regard to the meeting, it has been postponed.
- With regard to your complaint, we are investigating the matter.
- With regard to the class schedule, the teacher will send an update.
Incorrect examples
- With regards to your request, we will respond tomorrow.
- With regards to the invoice, there is a small error.
- With regards to your email, I have one question.
- With regards to the report, the manager was satisfied.
Correct vs incorrect table
| Incorrect | Correct |
| with regards to your request | with regard to your request |
| with regards to the invoice | with regard to the invoice |
| with regards to the policy | with regard to the policy |
| with regards to your email | with regard to your email |
Another point about sentence style
Sometimes regarding sounds even more natural:
- Regarding your request, we will respond tomorrow.
- Regarding the invoice, there is a small error.
But if you choose with regard to, keep it in the correct form:
- with regard to, not with regards to
Common Mistakes Learners Make
This phrase creates a few common errors, especially in business writing.
1: Adding the extra “s”
- Wrong: with regards to
- Right: with regard to
2: Thinking “regards” means the same thing here
The word regards is not the correct noun for this phrase.
3: Using the phrase too often
Because it sounds formal, some writers overuse it.
Less natural:
- With regard to the meeting, with regard to the report, with regard to the budget…
Better:
- Regarding the meeting, the report, and the budget…
4: Using it where a simpler word would be clearer
Sometimes about or regarding sounds smoother.
- Less natural: With regard to your question, I can answer that.
- Better: Regarding your question, I can answer that.
- Better: About your question, I can answer that.
5: Using it in very casual conversation
It is not wrong, but it can sound stiff in conversation.
- Less natural in speech: With regard to dinner, what are your plans?
- More natural: What are your plans for dinner?
Common mistake table
| Wrong | Correct |
| with regards to the matter | with regard to the matter |
| with regards to your email | with regard to your email |
| with regard of your email | with regard to your email |
| with regards about the budget | with regard to the budget / regarding the budget |
Easy memory tip
Remember:
- regard = correct in this phrase
- regards = usually wrong here
That one missing s is the key.
Pronunciation, Style, and British vs American English
Pronunciation
The phrase is usually pronounced smoothly and quickly:
- with ri-GARD too
Pronunciation table
| Word | Approximate pronunciation | Notes |
| with | with | common short word |
| regard | ri-GARD | stress on second syllable |
| to | too / tuh | often unstressed in speech |
Style
With regard to sounds:
- formal
- professional
- polished
- clear in writing
It is common in:
- business emails
- legal writing
- reports
- academic writing
- formal letters
Comparison table: style choices
| Expression | Tone | Best use |
| with regard to | formal, standard | official writing |
| regarding | formal, slightly shorter | business, academic writing |
| about | neutral, simple | everyday writing and speaking |
| concerning | formal | reports, official notes |
British vs American English
There is no major British vs American English difference in the rule. Both varieties prefer:
- with regard to
Both varieties also often consider with regards to less standard in careful writing.
Practical takeaway
This is not mainly a regional issue. It is a standard English usage issue. In both British and American English, the safest and most correct form is with regard to.
FAQs
Is “with regards to” ever correct?
Many style guides consider it incorrect or at least nonstandard in careful writing. The preferred form is with regard to.
Why do people say “with regards to” so often?
Because regards is a common word, and people assume it fits the phrase. It is common in speech and informal writing, but not the best standard form.
Is “with regard to” formal?
Yes. It is a formal phrase often used in business, academic, and official communication.
Can I replace it with “regarding”?
Yes. Regarding is a very common and often simpler alternative.
Examples:
- Regarding your request, we will reply tomorrow.
- With regard to your request, we will reply tomorrow.
Is “about” a good alternative?
Yes, especially in simpler writing.
Examples:
- About your request, we will reply tomorrow.
- Regarding your request, we will reply tomorrow.
- With regard to your request, we will reply tomorrow.
Is “with regards” correct on its own?
Sometimes people write with regards, but in the phrase with regards to, it is not the preferred standard form.
What is the safest choice in an exam?
Use with regard to if you need a formal phrase, or use regarding if you want a simpler alternative.
Which is better in professional email writing?
Usually:
- With regard to
- Regarding
- Concerning
Any of these can work, but with regard to is the standard phrase.
Conclusion
The difference between with regard to and with regards to is easy once you know the rule. In standard English, with regard to is the correct and preferred phrase. It means concerning, regarding, or about. The version with regards is often considered less correct or nonstandard in careful writing, even though it appears often in casual use.
Here is the easiest way to remember it:
- with regard to = correct and standard
- with regards to = less preferred, often considered incorrect in formal writing
- regard = the correct word in this phrase
- regards = not the standard choice here
So write:
- With regard to your email, we will reply soon.
- With regard to the report, there is one small correction.
- With regard to your request, we have no concerns.
If you remember only one thing, remember this: use “with regard to” in formal and standard English, and avoid “with regards to” when you want to sound polished and correct. That simple rule will help you write more confidently in school, work, and everyday communication.