In Regard or In Regards: Stop Making This Grammar Error

The Difference between “In Regard” and “In regards”

Key Takeaways

• The correct phrase is “in regard to,” not “in regards to.”
• Use “in regard to” for formal contexts when referring to a topic.
• Remember “regards” is for greetings or good wishes, not for referencing a topic.

In Regard vs. In Regards: the Definition

What Does In Regard to Mean? 

• Meaning: A phrase used to mean “concerning” or “about” something.
• Use: It is the standard, formal expression when you are referring to a specific topic or matter.
• Example: “I am writing in regard to your recent inquiry.”
• Explanation: “In regard to” is correct when referencing a particular subject or topic.

What Does In Regards Mean? 

• Incorrect: While “in regards to” is commonly heard in casual conversation, it is considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. “Regards” in plural form is typically used to express best wishes or greetings (e.g., “Give my regards to your family”).
• Example of Incorrect Use: “I am writing in regards to your complaint.” (Incorrect in formal contexts)

In regard to vs. Regards Correct Usage and Examples

When we write or speak, choosing the right expression is crucial to communicating our message clearly. The phrases “in regard to” and “regards” often cause confusion, but they have distinct uses.

Let’s look at some examples to see how we can apply these in real contexts.

In regard:

• Incorrect: I’m writing this email in regards to the meeting yesterday.
• Correct: I’m writing this email in regard to the meeting yesterday.

Regards (as greetings):

• We ended our meeting with a friendly “Send my regards to your family.”
• I always sign off my emails with “Best regards,” which conveys my good wishes.

In Regard or In Regards: Common Mistakes

Using “in regards to” instead of “in regard to”:

• Incorrect: “I have some questions in regards to the new policy.”
• Correct: “I have some questions in regard to the new policy.”
• Explanation: “In regard to” is the proper phrase for formal writing or speaking.

Confusing “regards” used for greetings with “regard”:

• Incorrect: “In regards to your email, I have attached the file.”
• Correct: “In regard to your email, I have attached the file.”
• Explanation: Use “regards” when giving greetings or good wishes (“With kind regards”) but “in regard to” when referring to a topic or subject.

In regard vs. In regards: Examples

Example Sentences Using In regard

• In regard to your recent application, we are pleased to inform you that you have been shortlisted for an interview.
• The manager held a meeting in regard to the new policy changes that will take effect next month.
• Please provide your feedback in regard to the draft proposal by the end of the week.
• The research paper, in regard to climate change, offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges we face.

Example Sentences Using In regards

• Please send my regards to your family and let them know I’m thinking of them.
• Give my regards to the team; I’m confident they will do well in the upcoming project.
• When you speak to our colleagues in London, please extend my regards.
• I hope to see you soon, and in the meantime, best regards.

Related Confused Words

In regard vs. As regards

In regard to: This phrase is used to denote consideration or reference to something specific.

• Example: We will discuss our strategy next week, in regard to the new marketing plan.

As regards: This term is essentially synonymous with “in regard to” but is slightly more formal.

• Example: As regards your query, the data will be compiled and sent to you by Friday.

In regards vs. With regards

In regards to: Although commonly used, “in regards to” is considered nonstandard. It’s better to stick to “in regard to.”

• Example: In regard to your recent email, we have updated the report.

With regards to: This phrase is a variant of “in regard to” and carries the same meaning; however, it’s commonly noted by experts that “with regard to” is the correct form.

• Example: With regard to the upcoming merger, there are several points we need to consider.