In Regards To vs. In Regard To – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is “in regard to.” The use of “in regards to” is a common grammatical error, often considered informal or incorrect in standard written and spoken English. Always omit the ‘s’ when using this prepositional phrase to mean “concerning” or “regarding.”
In Regards To or In Regard To – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “in regards to” and “in regard to” is straightforward: only “in regard to” is grammatically correct and widely accepted in standard English. “In regards to” is considered an error, likely arising from a blend of correct phrases such as “as regards” or “with regard to.” The singular noun “regard” in this context means “respect,” “consideration,” or “relation,” and it does not take a plural ‘s’.
To fully grasp the nuances of this common grammatical challenge, refer to the detailed analysis of “In Regard To” vs. “In Regards To”.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the correct usage, think of “in regard to” as a fixed prepositional phrase meaning “concerning” or “about.” A simple trick is to substitute it with “in relation to” or “with respect to.” Notice that neither of these common alternatives uses a plural ‘s’ at the end of “relation” or “respect.” Therefore, always use the singular “regard” in the phrase “in regard to.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| in regards to | Prepositional Phrase | Grammatically incorrect; a common error for “in regard to” | Incorrect: In regards to your request, we are still reviewing the documents. |
| in regard to | Prepositional Phrase | Concerning; regarding; with respect to | Correct: In regard to your request, we are still reviewing the documents. |
How to Use In Regard To
“In regard to” is a formal prepositional phrase used to introduce a topic or refer back to something previously mentioned. It acts as a synonym for “concerning,” “regarding,” “with respect to,” or “about.” It is frequently used in professional, academic, and legal contexts where precision and formality are valued. Using “in regard to” helps to clarify the subject matter being discussed and maintains a formal tone in communication.
Example 1: In regard to the upcoming conference, all presentations must be submitted by June 20, 2026.
Example 2: The committee released a statement in regard to the recent policy changes.
Example 3: I have a few questions in regard to the revised budget proposal.
Etymology of the phrase In Regard To
The phrase “in regard to” evolved from the noun “regard,” which entered English from Old French “regard” meaning “attention, consideration, look.” The word “regard” itself comes from Old French “regarder” meaning “to look at, observe, notice.” By the 16th century, “regard” was used in senses related to “respect” or “consideration.” The prepositional phrase “in regard to” solidified over time to mean “with respect or reference to” or “concerning,” aligning with the singular noun form that denotes a specific aspect or consideration.
Related Concepts
Understanding these broader grammatical concepts can help clarify why “in regard to” is the correct form.
- Idioms and Fixed Phrases: An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of its words. “In regard to” is a fixed idiomatic phrase. Attempting to alter it by adding an ‘s’ changes its structure and makes it grammatically incorrect.
- Prepositional Phrases: These are groups of words that begin with a preposition (like “in”) and end with a noun or pronoun (like “regard”). They function as adjectives or adverbs, providing more information about another part of the sentence. “In regard to” functions adverbially, modifying a verb or an entire clause.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The author made several references in regard to the historical context of the events.”
- “A spokesperson declined to comment in regard to the ongoing investigation.”
- “Please refer to the attached document in regard to the updated safety protocols.”
- “The novel raises profound questions in regard to human nature and morality.”
- “The board convened a special session in regard to the company’s declining profits.”
In Regard To Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Concerning | Regarding; about. |
| Regarding | With respect to; concerning. |
| As for | With respect to; concerning. |
| With respect to | In relation to; concerning. |
| About | On the subject of; concerning. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “in regards to” ever correct?
No, “in regards to” is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct phrase is “in regard to.” While you might hear “in regards to” in casual conversation, it should be avoided in formal writing and speech.
Question 2: Are there similar phrases that use “regards” with an ‘s’?
Yes, phrases like “as regards” (meaning “concerning” or “with respect to”) and “with my best regards” (where “regards” is a plural noun meaning “greetings” or “good wishes”) correctly use an ‘s’. However, these are distinct from “in regard to.”
Question 3: How can I remember not to use the ‘s’ in “in regard to”?
Think of “in regard to” as a fixed unit, similar to “in relation to” or “with respect to,” neither of which uses an ‘s’ on the last word. The singular “regard” is appropriate because it refers to a single point of consideration or respect.
Conclusion
The clear winner in the “in regards to” vs. “in regard to” debate is “in regard to.” This phrase is the grammatically correct and universally accepted form in standard English, serving as a formal way to say “concerning” or “regarding.” Avoiding the extra ‘s’ is crucial for maintaining clarity and professionalism in your communication. Pro Tip: Mastering such nuances demonstrates attention to detail and enhances your credibility as a communicator.
