Have you ever stared at a draft email for five minutes, completely frozen over whether to type an ‘s’ at the end of a simple phrase? You are definitely not alone in this struggle. It feels frustrating when a tiny, two-letter difference has the power to make you second-guess your entire professional communication.
I have been right there with you, deleting and rewriting the same greeting over and over just to avoid sounding unpolished. We all want our writing to look sharp and credible, but modern grammar rules can sometimes feel like an unwritten minefield.
Let’s clear up this common confusion once and for all so you can hit send with total confidence. By the time you finish reading this, you will know exactly which phrase belongs in your writing and why.
Quick Answer
“In regard to” is the standard and traditionally preferred phrase in formal English. “In regards to” is widely used in modern speech and writing, particularly in informal contexts, but many editors and style guides still consider it less formal.
If you’re writing professionally, academically, or for publication, “in regard to” is generally the safer choice. In casual communication, both forms are commonly understood.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | In Regard To | In Regards To |
| Meaning | Concerning; about | Concerning; about |
| Grammar | Traditional standard form | Informal variation |
| Formality | More formal | Less formal |
| Academic Writing | Preferred | Usually avoided |
| Professional Writing | Preferred | Sometimes used |
| Casual Writing | Common | Common |
| Dictionary Acceptance | Widely recognized | Recognized but often labeled informal |
| Publishing Preference | Higher | Lower |
| Regional Difference | Used worldwide | Used worldwide |
| Recommended Usage | Formal and professional contexts | Informal communication |
How Are These Words Pronounced?
Although the difference lies mainly in grammar and style rather than pronunciation, understanding how these expressions sound can help improve spoken English.
In Regard To
IPA: /ɪn rɪˈɡɑːrd tuː/
Syllable Breakdown:
- In
- Re-gard
- To
Pronunciation:
in-rih-GARD-too
In Regards To
IPA: /ɪn rɪˈɡɑːrdz tuː/
Syllable Breakdown:
- In
- Re-gards
- To
Pronunciation:
in-rih-GARDZ-too
Pronunciation Difference
The only difference is the additional “z” sound at the end of regards.
| Phrase | Ending Sound |
| In Regard To | gard |
| In Regards To | gardz |
Meaning and Usage
Meaning of “In Regard To”
In regard to means:
- Concerning
- Regarding
- About
- With reference to
Examples
- I am writing in regard to your recent application.
- The meeting was held in regard to budget planning.
- She contacted us in regard to the project proposal.
This phrase functions as a prepositional expression that introduces a topic.
Meaning of “In Regards To”
In regards to carries essentially the same meaning:
- Concerning
- About
- Regarding
Examples
- I am contacting you in regards to your order.
- He spoke in regards to company policies.
- We have questions in regards to the contract.
While commonly understood, many editors prefer in regard to in formal writing.
Main Difference Between In Regard and In Regards
The distinction is not about meaning but rather about usage preference, formality, and style-guide recommendations.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Aspect | In Regard To | In Regards To |
| Meaning | About; concerning | About; concerning |
| Formality | Formal | Informal to neutral |
| Traditional Grammar | Preferred | Less preferred |
| Academic Acceptance | High | Low |
| Business Acceptance | High | Moderate |
| Style Guide Preference | Strongly preferred | Often discouraged |
| Common Speech | Frequent | Very frequent |
| Reader Perception | Professional | Conversational |
| Risk of Criticism | Very low | Moderate |
Grammar Rule Section
Why Is “In Regard To” Preferred?
The noun regard means:
- Attention
- Consideration
- Reference
The phrase in regard to developed as an idiomatic expression meaning:
“With reference to” or “concerning.”
Since the expression historically used the singular noun regard, many grammar experts view it as the standard form.
What About “In Regards To”?
The plural noun regards traditionally appears in expressions such as:
- Best regards
- Warm regards
- Give my regards
Because of this history, some editors argue that regards does not naturally fit the meaning of “concerning.”
However, language evolves, and many speakers now use in regards to interchangeably with in regard to.
Origin and Etymology
Origin of Regard
The word regard comes from:
- Old French: regarder
- Meaning: “to look at” or “to observe”
It entered Middle English during the medieval period.
Over time, its meaning expanded to include:
- Consideration
- Respect
- Attention
- Reference
Development of the Phrase
The phrase in regard to became established in formal English centuries ago as a way to introduce a subject.
Examples appeared regularly in:
- Government documents
- Legal writing
- Academic texts
- Business correspondence
Later, everyday speech began producing the variant in regards to, which gained popularity despite lacking the same historical foundation.
Dictionary Comparison
Oxford Dictionary
Oxford recognizes in regard to as meaning:
Concerning; relating to.
Oxford generally presents it as the standard expression.
Cambridge Dictionary
Cambridge lists regarding and in regard to as accepted formal expressions meaning “about.”
Formal examples typically use the singular form.
Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster acknowledges that in regards to appears frequently in modern usage.
However, it notes that in regard to remains the more traditionally accepted expression.
Collins Dictionary
Collins defines in regard to as:
Concerning; with reference to.
Professional examples generally favor the singular version.
Dictionary Summary
| Dictionary | In Regard To | In Regards To |
| Oxford | Preferred | Less emphasized |
| Cambridge | Preferred | Less common |
| Merriam-Webster | Preferred | Recognized usage |
| Collins | Preferred | Recognized but less formal |
Are Both Words Correct?
Technically, both expressions are used by native English speakers and are widely understood.
However:
In Regard To
✔ Standard English
✔ Accepted in formal writing
✔ Preferred by editors
✔ Recommended by style guides
In Regards To
✔ Common in speech
✔ Widely understood
✔ Increasingly accepted in everyday writing
✖ Often avoided in academic and professional publications
British vs American English
Unlike many spelling differences, this is not primarily a British-versus-American issue.
Both countries use:
- In regard to
- In regards to
However, professional editors in both regions usually prefer in regard to.
Comparison Table
| English Variety | Preferred Form |
| American English | In regard to |
| British English | In regard to |
| Canadian English | In regard to |
| Australian English | In regard to |
Which Form Is More Common?
Modern internet searches show that both expressions appear frequently.
However, usage patterns differ by context.
Books and Academic Publishing
Most publishers favor:
In regard to
Professional Documents
Business communication generally favors:
In regard to
Casual Online Writing
Social media and forums often contain:
In regards to
Professional Recommendation
If you’re unsure, choose:
In regard to
It is accepted everywhere.
When Should You Use Each Word?
Academic Writing
Use:
In regard to
Example:
- The study examined factors in regard to language acquisition.
Professional Writing
Use:
In regard to
Example:
- We are contacting you in regard to your account.
Journalism
Use:
In regard to
Example:
- Officials released a statement in regard to the investigation.
Casual Writing
Either expression works.
Examples:
- I had a question in regards to tomorrow’s meeting.
- I had a question in regard to tomorrow’s meeting.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using “Regards” in Formal Reports
Incorrect
- The report discusses issues in regards to taxation.
Better
- The report discusses issues in regard to taxation.
Why?
Formal writing prefers the standard form.
Mistake 2: Mixing Formal and Informal Styles
Incorrect
- Pursuant to company policy, and in regards to your application…
Better
- Pursuant to company policy, and in regard to your application…
Why?
Formal language should remain consistent.
Mistake 3: Overusing the Phrase
Weak
- In regard to the project, in regard to the budget, and in regard to staffing…
Better
- Regarding the project, budget, and staffing…
Why?
Variation improves readability.
Real-Life Examples
Business Email
- I am writing in regard to your recent inquiry.
Customer Service
- We received your message in regards to the delayed shipment.
Academic Paper
- Several studies were conducted in regard to language development.
Legal Context
- The court issued guidance in regard to the dispute.
Everyday Conversation
- I wanted to ask something in regards to the event.
Synonyms
Synonyms for In Regard To
- Regarding
- Concerning
- About
- With respect to
- With reference to
- Relating to
- Pertaining to
Synonyms for In Regards To
Since the meaning is the same:
- Regarding
- Concerning
- About
- Pertaining to
- Relating to
Antonyms
Because these phrases indicate relevance to a topic, antonyms include:
Antonyms
- Unrelated to
- Irrelevant to
- Apart from
- Separate from
- Independent of
Memory Trick
A simple trick:
Think of the formal phrase:
“With regard to.”
Because with regard to uses the singular noun, remember that:
in regard to is the traditional and preferred form.
Easy Formula
Formal writing = In Regard To
Casual conversation = Either form
Similar Confusing Words
If you’re interested in similar grammar comparisons, explore:
- Affect vs Effect
- Then vs Than
- Further vs Farther
- Who vs Whom
- Compliment vs Complement
- Among vs Amongst
- Toward vs Towards
- Ensure vs Insure vs Assure
Why Do People Search “In Regards or In Regard”?
The search intent behind this query is usually one of the following:
Common Questions
- Is in regards to grammatically correct?
- Should I use in regard to or in regards to?
- Which phrase is more professional?
- Is in regards to wrong?
- What do style guides recommend?
- Which phrase should I use in an email?
Most users want to avoid sounding unprofessional while writing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which phrase is correct: in regard to or in regards to?
Both are used, but in regard to is the standard and preferred form.
2. Is “in regards to” grammatically wrong?
Not necessarily. It is widely used, but many editors consider it less formal.
3. Which expression should I use in business emails?
Use in regard to.
4. Which form do style guides recommend?
Most style guides recommend in regard to.
5. Is there a difference in meaning?
No. Both mean “concerning” or “about.”
6. Is this a British vs American English difference?
No. Both varieties generally prefer in regard to in formal writing.
7. Which phrase sounds more professional?
In regard to sounds more professional.
8. Can I use “in regards to” in conversation?
Yes. It is common in everyday speech.
9. What is the best alternative?
Regarding is often the simplest alternative.
10. Which phrase should students use in essays?
Students should use in regard to.
11. Is “with regard to” better?
Many editors consider with regard to equally acceptable and highly professional.
12. Do dictionaries recognize both forms?
Yes, although dictionaries generally present in regard to as the standard expression.
Expert Recommendation
Editors, English teachers, proofreaders, dictionary authorities, and style guides generally agree on one key point:
Recommended Choice
Use “in regard to” whenever you need formal, professional, academic, legal, or published English.
Why?
- Historically established
- Widely accepted
- Preferred by publishers
- Favored by style guides
- Less likely to be criticized
While in regards to is common and understood, it does not enjoy the same level of editorial support.
Final Verdict
The comparison between in regards and in regard falls into Category B: Two Correct Forms With Different Usage Preferences.
The difference is not about meaning. Both phrases mean “concerning” or “about.” However, in regard to is the traditional, standard, and professionally preferred expression.
Key Takeaways
- In regard to is the standard form.
- In regards to is commonly used but less formal.
- Both mean “concerning” or “about.”
- Academic and professional writing should use in regard to.
- Casual communication may use either expression.
- Most editors and style guides favor in regard to.
Practical Usage Advice
When in doubt:
Use in regard to
It works in virtually every writing situation and remains the safest choice for professional communication.
Olivia Brown
Daniel Carter