English learners and even native speakers often get confused between “in regard to” and “in regards to.” Both phrases are widely used in emails, letters, and formal documents, but choosing the wrong one can make your writing look careless or informal.
This confusion happens because the two phrases sound almost identical, and many people assume they are interchangeable.
Many people search for “[in regard to or in regards to]” to clarify which version is correct for professional communication. Using the wrong phrase can affect impressions in business, academic, and official correspondence.
Quick Answer
The correct formal usage is “in regard to”, while “in regards to” is considered informal or incorrect in strict grammar rules. Use “in regard to” when referring to a specific topic, matter, or issue in professional writing or formal communication.
Meaning and Definition of Each Phrase
1. In Regard To
Definition: The phrase “in regard to” is used to introduce a topic or refer to something specific. It is formal and widely accepted in professional English.
Example Sentences:
- “I am writing to you in regard to your recent application.”
- “We have some questions in regard to the project deadline.”
Explanation:
Think of “in regard to” as “concerning” or “about” something. It points clearly to a specific subject.
2. In Regards To
Definition: The phrase “in regards to” is commonly used in informal English, but many grammar experts consider it incorrect in formal writing.
Example Sentences:
- “In regards to your email, I will respond tomorrow.” (Informal)
- “He mentioned several points in regards to the new policy.” (Informal)
Explanation:
Although widely seen in casual writing, “in regards to” is not recommended in professional emails, business letters, or academic papers.
Key Differences Between “In Regard To” and “In Regards To”
- Formality:
- In regard to: Formal, correct for professional use.
- In regards to: Informal, often considered incorrect in strict grammar.
- In regard to: Formal, correct for professional use.
- Grammatical Accuracy:
- In regard to: Grammatically standard.
- In regards to: Nonstandard or colloquial.
- In regard to: Grammatically standard.
- Usage:
- In regard to: Best for emails, official letters, and business communication.
- In regards to: Only suitable for casual conversations or informal writing.
- In regard to: Best for emails, official letters, and business communication.
- Meaning: Both mean “about” or “concerning,” but “in regard to” is always preferred in formal contexts.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage | Example Sentence |
| In regard to | Concerning, about | Formal/professional writing | “I have some questions in regard to your report.” |
| In regards to | About, concerning (informal) | Informal/casual | “In regards to our meeting, let’s reschedule.” |
Examples in Sentences
Using In Regard To
- “We received your complaint in regard to the service quality.”
- “The manager called a meeting in regard to the new policy changes.”
- “Please provide details in regard to your recent purchase.”
- “I am contacting you in regard to the job interview schedule.”
Using In Regards To
- “In regards to your question, I think we can find a solution.” (Informal)
- “He sent me an email in regards to the upcoming event.” (Informal)
- “In regards to our conversation yesterday, I have some updates.” (Informal)
Common Mistakes
Many people mistakenly use “in regards to” in formal writing. Here’s a quick guide:
- Incorrect: “I am writing in regards to your application.”
- Correct: “I am writing in regard to your application.”
- Incorrect: “We have some concerns in regards to the project.”
- Correct: “We have some concerns in regard to the project.”
Tip: When writing emails, letters, or academic papers, always use “in regard to.”
Tips to Remember the Difference
- Think Formal = “In Regard To”: Whenever in doubt, use the formal version.
- Drop the “s”: “In regards to” adds an unnecessary “s.” Removing it fixes the grammar.
- Synonym Check: Replace the phrase with “about” or “concerning”. If it works, “in regard to” is correct.
Memory Trick:
- “Regard” = official look → formal → correct.
- “Regards” = casual → informal → avoid in professional contexts.
When to Use Each Phrase
Use In Regard To:
- Writing formal emails
- Business letters
- Academic papers
- Official documents
- Legal writing
Use In Regards To:
- Informal emails to friends or colleagues
- Casual conversations
- Social media posts
Rule of Thumb: If your writing needs professional credibility, always use “in regard to.”
Grammar Rules
- “In regard to” is a prepositional phrase, meaning it functions to relate a topic to a statement.
- It should be followed by a noun or noun phrase.
- Correct: “In regard to your proposal, we will respond soon.”
- Incorrect: “In regard to you are late.”
- Correct: “In regard to your proposal, we will respond soon.”
- Avoid adding an “s” at the end in formal writing.
Synonyms or Related Words
- Concerning
- About
- With respect to
- Relating to
- Pertaining to
Example:
- “Concerning your recent request, we will provide assistance.”
- “I am contacting you with respect to your job application.”
These alternatives can replace “in regard to” in professional writing while keeping the tone formal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use “in regards to” in formal writing?
No, it is considered informal or incorrect in professional or academic writing. Use “in regard to” instead.
2. Are “in regard to” and “regarding” the same?
Yes, both are formal and can often be used interchangeably. Example: “Regarding your application…” = “In regard to your application…”
3. Is “in regards of” correct?
No, this is incorrect. Only “in regard to” is grammatically correct in formal writing.
4. Can “in regard to” start a sentence?
Yes, it can start a sentence to introduce a topic. Example: “In regard to your request, we will take action.”
5. How do I remember which one to use?
Remember: formal = in regard to, informal = in regards to. Drop the “s” for professional writing.
6. Can “regards” be used in email closings?
Yes, “Regards” in email closings is fine and unrelated to “in regard to.”
Conclusion
In summary, the correct formal phrase is “in regard to,” which means “concerning” or “about” and is suitable for professional, academic, and official writing. “In regards to” is informal and often considered incorrect in strict grammar. By remembering the simple tip formal = no “s” you can avoid common mistakes and write clearly and professionally. Always think of “in regard to” as the safe, correct choice for any serious communication.
