In Regard To vs. With Regard To – Which is Correct?
Both “in regard to” and “with regard to” are grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrases, signifying “concerning” or “about.” While largely interchangeable, “in regard to” is often favored for its slightly more direct and concise nature. Choosing between them usually comes down to stylistic preference or the specific nuance a writer wishes to convey, though neither is inherently wrong.
In Regard To or With Regard To – Which is Correct?
When faced with the choice between “in regard to” and “with regard to,” you can rest assured that both options are grammatically sound and convey the same general meaning: “concerning,” “about,” or “regarding.” There isn’t a strict rule dictating one over the other as definitively “correct.” However, stylistic preferences and common usage patterns do exist. “In regard to” is often perceived as slightly more direct and concise, which can make it a preferred choice in formal writing where brevity is valued. “With regard to” is equally correct but can sometimes feel a touch more formal or wordy to some ears.
While both are grammatically sound, understanding the subtle differences highlighted in In Regard vs. With Regard can refine your writing style.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
The best trick to remember the difference, or rather the interchangeability, is the “Swap Test.” If you can replace either “in regard to” or “with regard to” in a sentence with “regarding” or “concerning” without changing the meaning, then both phrases are likely appropriate. For example, “I have a question in regard to your recent policy change” can become “I have a question with regard to your recent policy change,” and both effectively mean “I have a question regarding your recent policy change.” This confirms their parallel function.
| Word / Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| In regard to | Prepositional Phrase | Concerning; about; regarding | The committee will meet in regard to the budget proposal. |
| With regard to | Prepositional Phrase | Concerning; about; regarding | We have received your inquiry with regard to the new software. |
How to Use In Regard To
“In regard to” functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a topic or subject. It’s often used in formal and semi-formal contexts, such as business communications, academic papers, or official correspondence. Its strength lies in its conciseness and directness, making it a clear choice when you want to get straight to the point about a specific subject.
Example 1: “The manager requested a detailed report in regard to the recent sales figures.”
Example 2: “We must consider all implications in regard to the environmental impact.”
Example 3: “Her statement offered no new information in regard to the ongoing investigation.”
What are the different forms of In Regard To?
“In regard to” is a fixed prepositional phrase and does not have different forms in terms of tenses, pluralization, or degrees of comparison. It remains constant regardless of the context.
Etymology of the word In Regard To
The phrase “in regard to” is derived from the Old French word regard, meaning “attention, consideration,” which itself comes from regarder, “to look at, watch.” The use of “regard” as a noun meaning “respect, esteem” and later “attention, consideration” dates back to the late 14th century. The prepositional phrase “in regard to” emerged to mean “with respect or reference to” by the 17th century, solidifying its role as a topic-introducing connector.
How to Use With Regard To
“With regard to” serves the same function as “in regard to,” introducing a subject or topic. It is also common in formal and business writing, though some may find it slightly more verbose. It carries a similar level of formality and is perfectly acceptable in nearly all contexts where “in regard to” would be used. The choice between the two often comes down to personal style or a desire for a slightly softer, perhaps more comprehensive-sounding introduction to a topic.
Example 1: “The board held a lengthy discussion with regard to the company’s future strategy.”
Example 2: “Please provide clarity with regard to the updated safety protocols.”
Example 3: “His research focused specifically with regard to the effects of climate change on polar ice caps.”
What are the different forms of With Regard To?
Like “in regard to,” “with regard to” is a fixed prepositional phrase and does not change its form based on grammatical circumstances. It is always used as is.
Etymology of the word With Regard To
The phrase “with regard to” shares its etymological roots with “in regard to,” stemming from the Old French regard. The addition of “with” emphasizes the relational aspect, indicating “in connection with” or “in respect of.” While “in regard to” gained prominence earlier, “with regard to” also became established by the 17th century, offering a slightly different prepositional framing for the same core meaning of “concerning.”
Related Concepts
Understanding related grammatical concepts can further clarify the appropriate use of “in regard to” and “with regard to.”
- Prepositional Phrases: Both “in regard to” and “with regard to” are examples of prepositional phrases. These phrases consist of a preposition (like “in” or “with”) and its object (here, “regard”), functioning as an adjective or adverb to modify another word in the sentence.
- Formal vs. Informal Language: These phrases are typically found in more formal writing and speech. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like “about” or “regarding” are often preferred for their ease and conversational tone.
- Conciseness in Writing: While both are correct, the principle of conciseness often guides writers to choose the shorter option if meaning is preserved. This is why “in regard to” sometimes gets a slight edge, or why single-word alternatives like “regarding” are often recommended.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The government released a statement in regard to the recent economic data, highlighting areas of growth.” (News Report, June 2026)
- “A new study offers fresh insights with regard to the long-term effects of screen time on adolescent development.” (Scientific Journal Article, May 2026)
- “Her novel delves into complex themes in regard to identity and belonging in a globalized world.” (Literary Review, April 2026)
- “The CEO addressed shareholder concerns with regard to the company’s sustainability initiatives during the annual meeting.” (Business Publication, March 2026)
- “The historical document provided crucial context in regard to the political landscape of the 18th century.” (Academic Text)
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The principal sent a memo ______ the upcoming school holiday schedule. (in regard to / with regard to)
- The legal team is reviewing all documents ______ the terms of the new contract. (in regard to / with regard to)
- Could you clarify your position ______ the proposed changes? (in regard to / with regard to)
- We need to make a decision ______ the allocation of resources for the next quarter. (in regard to / with regard to)
- The public expressed mixed opinions ______ the city’s new zoning laws. (in regard to / with regard to)
Answer Key
- Both “in regard to” and “with regard to” are correct.
- Both “in regard to” and “with regard to” are correct.
- Both “in regard to” and “with regard to” are correct.
- Both “in regard to” and “with regard to” are correct.
- Both “in regard to” and “with regard to” are correct.
In Regard To Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Regarding | Concerning; with respect to. |
| Concerning | About; relating to. |
| About | On the subject of; concerning. |
| As to | Concerning; with respect to. |
| Pertaining to | Relating to; applicable to. |
With Regard To Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Regarding | Concerning; with respect to. |
| Concerning | About; relating to. |
| About | On the subject of; concerning. |
| As to | Concerning; with respect to. |
| Pertaining to | Relating to; applicable to. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “in regards to” ever correct?
No, “in regards to” is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrases are “in regard to” or “with regard to.” The singular “regard” is always used in these fixed expressions.
Question 2: Can I use “regarding” instead of “in/with regard to”?
Absolutely. “Regarding” is a single word that serves the same purpose as “in regard to” or “with regard to” and is often preferred for its conciseness. It is a common and appropriate substitute in most contexts.
Question 3: Which phrase is more formal, “in regard to” or “with regard to”?
Both phrases are formal. While some may perceive “with regard to” as slightly more formal or wordy, the difference is negligible, and both are suitable for formal writing and speech.
Conclusion
In summary, both “in regard to” and “with regard to” are grammatically correct and interchangeable phrases meaning “concerning” or “about.” While “in regard to” is often favored for its conciseness, neither is inherently superior. The key is consistency within a document and choosing the phrase that best fits the desired tone and flow of your writing. Always avoid the incorrect variant “in regards to.”
Pro Tip: For clear and professional communication, prioritize conciseness. While both phrases are valid, consider if a single word like “regarding” or “about” might serve your purpose just as effectively, making your writing more direct and impactful.
