In Regard to or In Regards to: Which Is Correct?

That extra -s is easy to add, especially if you often write “best regards” at the end of an email. But when you mean “about” or “concerning,” the standard phrase is in regard to. In regards to is common in everyday usage, but it is generally considered nonstandard in formal, edited English.

Quick Answer:

Use in regard to:

We are writing in regard to your recent application.

If that sounds too formal, regarding or about can make the sentence shorter and more natural.

In Regard to vs. In Regards to

What Does “In Regard to” Mean?

In regard to introduces the subject you are discussing. It has a formal tone, so it is common in professional emails, letters, reports, and official communication.

I’m contacting you in regard to the invoice we discussed.

For everyday writing, about is often more direct:

I’m contacting you about the invoice we discussed.

Why “Regards” Can Be Confusing

Regards is a perfectly correct word when used separately. It can mean greetings or good wishes:

Please give my regards to your family.

It is also familiar in email sign-offs:

Best regards,
Daniel

These uses are different from the fixed phrase in regard to.

Other Ways to Say It

Depending on the tone, you can replace in regard to with:

• Regarding — concise and professional
• Concerning — formal and direct
• About — simple and conversational
• With regard to — formal alternative

For example:

Regarding your request, we need more information.

6 Examples

1. I’m writing in regard to your recent complaint.
2. She called in regard to the meeting schedule.
3. We have a question in regard to your order.
4. The letter was sent in regard to the contract.
5. He contacted the office in regard to his application.
6. In regard to your proposal, we need more information.

Common Mistake

❌ We contacted you in regards to your account.
✅ We contacted you in regard to your account.

When this expression means “about” or “concerning,” keep regard singular.

Pronunciation

In regard to: in ri-GARD too

The main stress falls on regard.

Memory Trick

Remember the fixed phrase:

in regard to

Keep regard singular.

Mini Quiz

1. Which form is standard?
   A. In regard to
   B. In regards to
2. Which sentence is correct?
   A. I called in regards to the order.
   B. I called in regard to the order.
3. Which is a concise alternative?
   A. Regarding
   B. Regards
4. Which phrase is standard?
   A. With regard to
   B. With regards to
5. Which sentence uses regards correctly?
   A. Please give my regards to Maria.
   B. Please give my regard to Maria.

Answers: 1-A, 2-B, 3-A, 4-A, 5-A

FAQs

Is “in regard to” correct?

Yes. It is the standard form of the expression.

Is “in regards to” acceptable?

It is widely used, but formal and edited English generally prefers in regard to.

What can I use instead?

Regarding, concerning, or about can often make the sentence shorter.

Is “with regard to” correct?

Yes. It is another standard formal expression.

Conclusion

When you mean “about” or “concerning,” use in regard to, particularly in formal writing. For a more direct style, regarding or about may work better. Just keep the separate word regards for uses such as “best regards” or “give my regards.”

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William Strunk

William Strunk is a respected authority on English grammar, usage, and writing style, known for his influential work The Elements of Style. At EduNexxa, his focus is on clear, concise, and effective English.