Many English learners and even native speakers often get confused between “in regard” and “in regards.” These two phrases look very similar, and that’s exactly why people mix them up. You may have seen both forms in emails, formal letters, or online writing, which makes it even harder to know which one is correct.
The keyword “in regard or in regards” is commonly searched because people want to improve their grammar and sound more professional in writing.
Understanding the correct usage is important because small grammar mistakes can affect clarity and professionalism. In this article, you will learn the difference between these phrases, when to use each one, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Quick Answer
The correct and standard phrase is “in regard to” (or “with regard to”).
The form “in regards to” is generally considered incorrect in formal English, although it is sometimes used in informal speech.
Meaning and Definition of Each Word
1. In Regard (to)
Meaning:
“In regard to” means about, concerning, or related to something.
Explanation:
It is a formal phrase commonly used in professional writing, emails, and official communication.
Examples:
- I am writing in regard to your job application.
- We have a question in regard to your recent order.
- She spoke in regard to the new policy.
2. In Regards (to)
Meaning:
“In regards to” is often used to mean the same thing as “in regard to,” but it is not considered standard or correct in formal grammar.
Explanation:
This form comes from confusion with phrases like “best regards,” where “regards” is used correctly as a noun.
Examples (Informal/Incorrect in formal writing):
- I am writing in regards to your request. ❌
- He called in regards to the meeting. ❌
Key Differences Between the Words
Here are the main differences between in regard and in regards:
- Correct Form:
“In regard to” is grammatically correct and widely accepted. - Incorrect/Formal Usage:
“In regards to” is considered incorrect in formal writing. - Usage Context:
“In regard to” is used in professional and academic writing. - Origin of Confusion:
“In regards to” comes from mixing it with phrases like “best regards.” - Professional Impact:
Using the correct phrase improves clarity and professionalism.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage | Example |
| In regard to | About | Formal, correct | I am writing in regard to your complaint. |
| In regards to | About | Informal, often incorrect | I am writing in regards to your complaint. ❌ |
Examples in Sentences
Correct Usage (In Regard to)
- I am contacting you in regard to your recent inquiry.
- The manager spoke in regard to the company’s future plans.
- We need clarification in regard to this issue.
- She emailed me in regard to the upcoming event.
- He raised a concern in regard to safety rules.
Incorrect/Informal Usage (In Regards to)
- I am writing in regards to your email. ❌
- They called in regards to the project. ❌
- We met in regards to the contract. ❌
👉 In all these cases, replace “in regards to” with “in regard to.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most common mistakes people make:
❌ Incorrect vs ✅ Correct
- ❌ In regards to your request
✅ In regard to your request - ❌ I am writing in regards to the issue
✅ I am writing in regard to the issue - ❌ He spoke in regards to the meeting
✅ He spoke in regard to the meeting
Why This Happens:
- People confuse it with “best regards”
- They assume plural sounds more natural
- Informal usage spreads quickly online
Tips to Remember the Difference
Here are some easy tips:
✔ Tip 1: Use “About”
If you can replace the phrase with “about,” use “in regard to.”
- I am writing about your order
✔ I am writing in regard to your order
✔ Tip 2: Avoid the “S”
Remember: No “S” needed
👉 “Regard” = Correct
👉 “Regards” = Wrong (in this phrase)
✔ Tip 3: Think Formal Writing
Whenever writing emails or professional content, always use:
👉 In regard to
When to Use Each Word
Use “In Regard to” When:
- Writing formal emails
- Creating academic content
- Communicating professionally
- Writing reports or documents
Example:
- I am writing in regard to your job application.
Avoid “In Regards to” When:
- Writing formal or business content
- Preparing official communication
However:
It may appear in casual conversation, but it’s still better to avoid it.
Grammar Rules (If Applicable)
- “Regard” is used as a singular noun in this phrase.
- The correct structure is:
👉 In + regard + to
- “Regards” is typically used only in greetings or closings:
- Best regards
- Kind regards
🚫 Not in “in regards to”
Synonyms or Related Words
You can also use these alternatives instead of “in regard to”:
- About
- Concerning
- Regarding
- With respect to
- In relation to
Examples:
- I am writing regarding your order.
- She spoke about the issue.
- We discussed the matter concerning the project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is “in regards to” ever correct?
No, it is generally considered incorrect in formal English. Use “in regard to” instead.
2. Why do people use “in regards to”?
Because of confusion with phrases like “best regards.”
3. Can I use “in regards to” in casual writing?
You might see it in informal writing, but it’s better to avoid it.
4. What is the best alternative to “in regard to”?
You can use “regarding,” “about,” or “concerning.”
5. Is “with regard to” correct?
Yes, “with regard to” is also correct and commonly used.
6. Which sounds more professional?
👉 “In regard to” sounds more professional and correct.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the confusion between “in regard or in regards” is very common, but the solution is simple. The correct phrase is “in regard to,” and it should be used in both formal and professional writing.
Avoid using “in regards to” because it is not considered grammatically correct. A simple way to remember this is: no “S” is needed in “regard.”
By using the correct phrase, your writing will become clearer, more professional, and easier to understand. Keep practicing, and soon this difference will feel natural.
