Choosing between “with regard to” and “with regards to” may seem like a minor grammar decision, yet it often raises questions among students, professionals, and English learners. Both expressions appear in emails, reports, legal documents, and everyday conversations. Because they look almost identical, many writers assume they’re equally correct in every situation. In reality, there are important differences in usage, style, and acceptance.
If you’ve ever paused while writing an email and wondered whether to add the extra “s” to “regard,” you’re not alone. Although “with regards to” is commonly heard in spoken English and informal writing, most grammar experts and editorial style guides prefer “with regard to.” Understanding why can help you write more confidently and avoid mistakes in professional communication.
This guide explains the difference between with regard to vs. with regards to, including their meanings, grammatical correctness, preferred usage, and practical alternatives. You’ll also learn when each phrase is appropriate, how professional writers use them, and which option works best in business, academic, and everyday English.
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Quick Answer: Should You Use “With Regard To” or “With Regards To”?
The Short Answer
If you’re writing a formal email, business report, academic paper, or official document, “with regard to” is the preferred choice.
Although “with regards to” appears frequently in conversation and informal writing, it isn’t considered the standard expression by most grammar authorities.
Which Phrase Is Grammatically Preferred?
The generally accepted recommendation is:
- ✅ With regard to — Standard and preferred
- ⚠️ With regards to — Common but less formal
Most professional editors, publishers, universities, and organizations recommend using the singular form because it has become the established idiomatic expression.
Quick Comparison Table
| Phrase | Grammatically Accepted | Professional Writing | Recommendation |
| With regard to | Yes | Yes | Best choice |
| With regards to | Common but less preferred | Sometimes | Use cautiously |
What Does “With Regard To” Mean?
Literal Meaning
The noun regard refers to attention, consideration, respect, or reference.
When combined into the phrase “with regard to,” it simply means:
- Concerning
- Regarding
- About
- In relation to
Example:
With regard to your application, we need additional documents.
Here, the phrase means “regarding your application.”
How the Phrase Functions in a Sentence
With regard to functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the topic being discussed.
Examples:
- With regard to your request, approval has been granted.
- We have several updates with regard to the project.
- With regard to customer feedback, several improvements have been made.
In each sentence, the phrase introduces the subject of discussion.
Why It Is Considered the Standard Form
The singular expression has appeared in English writing for centuries.
Today, it remains the preferred version because it is:
- Grammatically established
- Widely recognized
- Clear and concise
- Supported by major dictionaries
- Recommended by many editorial style guides
Because of its long-standing acceptance, it remains the safest option in professional writing.
Common Contexts Where It Appears
You’ll frequently find with regard to in:
- Business correspondence
- Legal documents
- Government publications
- Academic papers
- Workplace policies
- Professional emails
- Research reports
- Customer service communication
Its versatility makes it one of the most common formal transition phrases in English.
Is “With Regard To” Grammatically Correct?
Grammar Behind the Phrase
Yes.
With regard to is grammatically correct because regard functions as a singular noun following the preposition with.
Structure:
- With — preposition
- Regard — noun
- To — preposition introducing the topic
Together they create an idiomatic expression meaning “concerning” or “about.”
Why “Regard” Is Singular
The noun regard represents consideration or reference as a general concept.
English often uses singular abstract nouns in fixed expressions.
Examples include:
- In relation to
- In response to
- In reference to
- With respect to
- With regard to
Notice that each uses a singular noun.
This pattern helps explain why with regard to sounds natural to native speakers.
Dictionary and Standard Usage
Modern dictionaries define with regard to as:
Concerning or relating to a particular subject.
It remains standard in both American and British English.
Correct Example Sentences
Business:
- With regard to your invoice, payment has been processed.
Academic:
- With regard to previous research, the findings remain consistent.
Customer service:
- With regard to your order, shipping has been delayed.
Legal:
- With regard to the agreement, both parties have fulfilled their obligations.
Each sentence sounds professional, concise, and grammatically correct.
What Does “With Regards To” Mean?
Why People Use the Plural Form
Many English speakers naturally say with regards to because they’re familiar with expressions such as:
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Warm regards
Since regards frequently appears in email closings, writers sometimes assume the plural form also belongs in the phrase with regard to.
However, these expressions developed independently.
Is It an Accepted Variant?
Yes—but with qualifications.
Many native speakers use with regards to in conversation and informal writing.
You’ll occasionally see it in:
- Personal emails
- Informal business communication
- Online discussions
- Social media
- Everyday speech
However, most editors still recommend the singular version for formal writing.
How It Became Common
Language changes through repeated usage.
Over time, millions of speakers began adding “s” because it sounded familiar.
Although this variation has become widespread, widespread use doesn’t always make an expression the preferred grammatical choice.
Professional writing generally favors consistency over popularity.
Example Sentences
Informal examples:
- With regards to dinner, I’ll be there at seven.
- With regards to your question, I completely agree.
- With regards to next weekend, let’s decide later.
Although understandable, many editors would revise these sentences to use with regard to instead.
With Regard To vs. With Regards To: The Key Differences
Grammar
The primary distinction involves grammatical convention.
With regard to is the established idiomatic expression.
With regards to is considered a common variant but isn’t the preferred standard in most formal contexts.
Formality
Professional documents almost always favor with regard to because it aligns with standard English usage.
The plural version feels slightly more conversational.
Frequency of Use
You’ll hear with regards to regularly in spoken English.
However, published books, business documents, academic journals, and government writing overwhelmingly favor with regard to.
Acceptance in Professional Writing
If you’re writing for:
- Clients
- Employers
- Professors
- Government agencies
- Publishers
Choose with regard to.
It reduces the chance of editorial corrections.
Regional Preferences
Both American English and British English recognize the singular version as the standard expression.
The plural version appears more often in informal speech across several English-speaking countries, but style guides generally continue to recommend the singular form.
Why “With Regard To” Is Preferred in Formal Writing
Professional communication values clarity, consistency, and established grammar. Because with regard to has long been the standard expression, it appears in contracts, policy manuals, academic publications, and corporate correspondence far more often than its plural counterpart.
Using the preferred form also demonstrates careful attention to language. While few readers will misunderstand with regards to, choosing with regard to helps your writing match the conventions expected in formal settings.
For example:
- With regard to your employment application, we will contact you within five business days.
- With regard to the revised proposal, additional approval is required.
These sentences sound polished, professional, and grammatically consistent.
FAQs
Is “with regard to” always correct in professional writing?
Yes. “With regard to” is the standard and preferred expression in professional, academic, legal, and business writing. It is widely accepted by grammar authorities and editorial style guides because it is clear, concise, and grammatically established.
Example:
With regard to your request, we have approved the proposed changes.
Using the singular form helps your writing appear polished and professional.
Is “with regards to” grammatically incorrect?
Not exactly. “With regards to” is widely used in everyday English and is generally understood by readers. However, most grammar experts consider it a less preferred variant rather than the standard expression.
For formal writing, “with regard to” is the safer choice.
Why do people say “with regards to” instead of “with regard to”?
Many people naturally use “with regards to” because they’re familiar with expressions like:
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Warm regards
Since “regards” commonly appears in email closings, some speakers extend the plural form to “with regards to.” Over time, this variation has become common in conversation, even though the singular form remains the preferred option in formal English.
Does adding the “s” change the meaning?
No. Both expressions generally mean “regarding,” “concerning,” or “about.” The extra “s” does not change the meaning of the phrase.
The difference is mainly one of style and convention, not definition.
Which phrase do grammar and style guides recommend?
Most grammar references and editorial style guides recommend “with regard to.” It is the form most commonly found in:
- Business documents
- Academic papers
- Government publications
- Legal writing
- Professional emails
If you’re unsure which version to use, choose “with regard to.”
Can I use “with regards to” in business emails?
You can, but it’s usually better to use “with regard to” in business correspondence. The singular form sounds more polished and aligns with standard written English.
For example:
- ✔ With regard to your invoice, payment has been processed.
- ✔ With regard to our meeting, I have attached the agenda.
These examples are suitable for professional communication.
What are the best alternatives to these phrases?
If you’d like to avoid repetition or simplify your writing, consider these alternatives:
Formal alternatives
- Regarding
- Concerning
- With respect to
- In relation to
- Pertaining to
Neutral alternatives
- About
- Related to
- As for
- On the topic of
These expressions often make sentences shorter and easier to read.
Is “regarding” better than “with regard to”?
In many situations, yes. “Regarding” is shorter, more direct, and equally professional. Many modern style guides encourage concise writing, making “regarding” an excellent alternative.
Compare:
- With regard to your proposal, we have approved it.
- Regarding your proposal, we have approved it.
Both are correct, but the second version is more concise.
Which expression is more common in American English?
Both expressions are used in American English, but “with regard to” is the preferred form in formal and published writing. You’ll often hear “with regards to” in casual speech, yet professional documents, academic writing, and corporate communication overwhelmingly favor the singular version.
How can I avoid sounding repetitive when using these phrases?
If you use “with regard to” multiple times in the same document, vary your wording with appropriate alternatives.
For example, you can replace it with:
- Regarding
- About
- Concerning
- As for
- In relation to
Alternating these expressions improves readability while keeping your writing natural and engaging.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between with regard to and with regards to can make your writing clearer and more professional. Although both expressions are widely understood and share the same meaning, with regard to is the standard form recommended by most grammar experts, dictionaries, and style guides. It is the preferred choice for business emails, academic papers, legal documents, and other formal communication because it follows established English usage.
While with regards to is common in everyday conversation and informal writing, it may appear less polished in professional settings. If you want to avoid unnecessary corrections or create a stronger impression, using with regard to is the safest option. In many cases, you can also improve readability by choosing shorter alternatives such as regarding, concerning, or about, depending on your audience and the level of formality.
The key is to match your language to the context. For formal writing, stick with with regard to to ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism. For casual conversations, either expression will usually be understood, although concise alternatives often sound more natural. By understanding the grammar, usage, common mistakes, and practical alternatives covered in this guide, you can confidently choose the right expression and communicate more effectively in every situation.
Hi, I’m Joseph Henery — the voice behind Grammar Orbits. I help students and writers master grammar with easy explanations, practical tips, and a love for clear communication.
