In English, professional writing challenges native speakers and learners alike, and With Regard To vs With Regards To proves how small phrases matter in real use.
This phrase pair may look similar and sound same, yet it creates confusion in emails, essays, reports, articles, and legal documents where editors and teachers catch grammar slips fast. The difference comes down to form, correct spelling, and usage rules.
The accepted form is with regard to, without the s. The other is incorrect, ungrammatical, and often treated as a mistake or informal usage. In formal writing and a professional context, formal tone, and confidence in business communication and everyday communication.
This in-depth guide gives a clear breakdown and explanation of why confusion happens, using comparison, meaning, and context to keep things simple. The short answer to the common question people keep wondering about is direct: avoid the wrong spelling and use the correct variants correctly.
When I teach or learn from real writing, I focus on guidance, knowledge, and understanding so writers follow rules, apply correct usage, and build a clean sentence from start to end. This reduces common grammar mistakes, improves style, and highlights the importance of timing, precision, and consistency in every article.
Quick Answer for Busy Readers (TL;DR)
Correct:
- With regard to
Incorrect (in formal writing):
- With regards to
Meaning:
- Both aim to mean about, concerning, in relation to
- Only with regard to is standard in formal English
Why people add s:
- Influence from phrases like best regards in email closings
What “With Regard To” Actually Means
When you write with regard to, you’re introducing the topic you’ll talk about.
Core idea:
It connects your sentence to a topic clearly and formally.
It’s a prepositional phrase that sets context for what follows.
Examples:
- With regard to your question, the answer is below.
- With regard to the new policy, we have updates.
Breakdown in simple terms:
- With – connecting word
- Regard – attention or reference
- To – direction toward a topic
Why “With Regards To” Sounds Right — But Isn’t
The phrase with regards to feels natural because we see regards all the time in email signoffs: Best regards, Kind regards.
People assume that adding -s is correct in all uses. It isn’t.
Think of it like this:
- In email closings, regards = good wishes
- In topic introductions, regard = reference
So the meanings differ. Adding s accidentally mixes two separate patterns.
Quick tip:
If you’re talking about a topic or subject, stick with with regard to.
Grammar Breakdown (The Part Most Articles Skip)
What “Regard” Means
In with regard to, regard isn’t about feelings. It means reference or relation.
Examples:
- regard = reference
- with regard to budget = in reference to the budget
Why the Singular Form Is Required
The phrase comes from older formal English where regard functions like these nouns:
- reference
- respect
- relation
If you try with references to, it doesn’t sound right in this structure. That’s because this phrase is a fixed pattern in English.
Table: Phrase Structure
| Phrase | Grammatical Role | Meaning | Formality |
| With regard to | Prepositional phrase | Concerning / about | Formal |
| With regards to | Incorrect variant | Attempts same meaning | Informal / nonstandard |
Historical Origin of “With Regard To”
Understanding history makes it stick. The phrase with regard to emerged from formal written English — especially legal writing and diplomatic correspondence. It was a concise way to introduce topics in official documents long before email existed.
Early professional writing needed clear topic signposts, and with regard to became one of them.
Quote (paraphrased):
“Fixed formal phrases often become rules simply because they work clearly and efficiently over time.”
Compared with everyday speech, with regard to stays formal. That’s why academics, lawyers, and professional writers use it.
With Regard To vs With Regards To: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a clear table comparing the two variants:
| Feature | With regard to | With regards to |
| Standard English | Yes | No |
| Used in academic writing | Yes | No |
| Used in legal writing | Yes | No |
| Tone | Formal / precise | Informal / casual |
| Seen in emails | Often | Yes, but incorrect |
| Suitable for reports | Yes | Avoid |
Real-World Usage Examples
Let’s look at real writing scenarios where this phrase matters.
Business Email
With regard to your request, we will send details tomorrow.
With regards to your request, we will send details tomorrow.
Why: In professional communication, correctness shows attention to detail.
Academic Writing
With regard to climate change, this study focuses on carbon emissions.
With regards to climate change…
Why: Academic editors flag incorrect idioms.
Legal or Official Writing
With regard to Article 5, clause 2…
With regards to Article 5…
Why: Law relies on precision and approved phrases.
Everyday Speech
People say both, but only with regard to translates well to writing.
Sentence Placement Rules
You can place with regard to in different parts of a sentence.
Start of sentence:
- With regard to costs, we made cuts.
Middle of sentence:
- We, with regard to costs, reduced spending.
End of sentence:
- We reduced spending with regard to costs.
💡 Tip: Avoid overusing it. If your writing sounds repetitive, choose clearer alternatives.
Better Alternatives (Often Stronger Choices)
Sometimes with regard to is too formal or wordy. Here are better options that are clearer and punchier.
| Instead of | Use |
| With regard to | About |
| With regard to | Concerning |
| With regard to | Regarding |
| With regard to | In relation to |
| With regard to | On the subject of |
Examples:
- About your schedule…
- Regarding the presentation…
- In relation to last week’s meeting…
These are easier to read, especially in emails or blog posts.
Read More: Is It Correct to Say “At Your Convenience”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned writers slip up. Watch out for these:
Mistake 1 — Adding an “s”:
With regards to your plan…
Mistake 2 — Using too often:
With regard to sales, with regard to marketing, with regard to budgets…
→ Repetitive
Mistake 3 — Mixing with casual language:
- So, with regard to that thing… (too informal for reports)
Mistake 4 — Using it where simpler words shine:
- With regard to children’s play, safety matters.
→ Better: About kids’ play, safety matters.
Why Correct Usage Matters
You might think one little s doesn’t matter. But it does. Here’s why:
1. Signals Professionalism
Using the right phrase shows you know standard English. That matters to editors, bosses, and clients.
2. Builds Credibility in Formal Writing
When you use accepted structure, readers focus on your message — not grammar errors.
3. Avoids Subtle Red Flags
Grammar mistakes can distract from your points. Precision means persuasion.
4. Important in Legal, Academic and Technical Writing
In those fields, editors enforce rules. You don’t want your work marked down for a small mistake.
Editing Checklist (Practical Tool Section)
Before you send or publish:
Did I use with regard to instead of with regards to?
Can I substitute a clearer alternative?
Is the sentence too long?
Is this phrase repeated too often?
Does it suit the tone of my writing?
Example checklist item:
Replace overly formal phrases with concise words when tone is casual.
Memory Trick to Never Get It Wrong
Here’s a simple way to remember:
“Regards” is for email signoffs. “Regard” is for topics.”
Picture the S waving goodbye at the end of an email. That S doesn’t belong at the beginning of a topic sentence.
Case Studies: Correct vs Incorrect Usage
Case Study 1 — Business Report
Before (Incorrect):
With regards to Q3 results, revenue increased.
After (Correct):
With regard to Q3 results, revenue increased by 12%.
Outcome: The correct version reads professionally and maintains audience trust.
Case Study 2 — Academic Essay
Before (Incorrect):
With regards to the literature review, several gaps remain.
After (Correct Alternative):
Regarding the literature review, several gaps remain.
Outcome: The alternative is simpler and clearer.
FAQs
1. Is “with regards to” ever correct in English?
No. In standard English, with regards to is considered incorrect and ungrammatical. The accepted form is with regard to, used in formal writing and professional writing.
2. Why do so many people use “with regards to”?
The confusion happens because the phrases look similar and sound same. In casual speech and informal usage, people add the s, but that habit doesn’t follow proper grammar rules.
3. Do editors and teachers really care about this difference?
Yes. Editors and teachers notice this quickly because it affects correctness, clarity, and accuracy. It’s also a common item on lists of common grammar mistakes.
4. Can I use “with regard to” in emails and business communication?
Absolutely. With regard to fits well in emails, reports, essays, and business communication. It keeps a formal tone and shows confidence in your writing style.
5. How can I remember the correct form easily?
Think of regard as a singular noun. There’s no need for an s. This simple trick helps you avoid the wrong spelling and use the phrase correctly every time.
Conclusion
The difference between with regard to and with regards to may seem small, but in professional contexts, small choices matter. Using the correct form improves clarity, strengthens your language, and builds trust in your communication. When you apply the right usage rules, you write with more confidence and fewer mistakes—and that’s something every strong writer aims for.
