In Regard or In Regards helps explain why in regard is the formal and grammatically correct choice for clear professional writing.
When typing a message, especially in formal writing, many email writers become confused about which one to actually use. The phrases in regard and in regards are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. In regard is the traditional phrase and a grammatically correct phrase for a specific subject, specific aspect, request, or particular topic. It can refer to a subject or aspect, as in in regard to a request. The traditional, standard English choice is in regard, while in regards is less formal, often considered incorrect in standard usage, and may sound less professional. If a response is needed shortly, it is advisable to stick with in regard so your writing remains clearer, polished, and confident.
The difference may seem small, but the correct expression helps avoid common grammar mistakes in business emails, letters, and everyday communication. The confusion often arises because people assume that regards is simply the plural of regard in every context. However, regard is a non-count noun, similar to attention, so 1 regard, 2 regards, 1 attention, and 2 attentions do not have the same grammatical sense here. Think of in regard to as on the subject of or with attention to a specific matter. The only phrase needed for this purpose is in regard to, and the following 3 email examples can help you learn the quick rule for choosing it. The origin, British English, and American English may differ in some usage patterns, so real-world examples, tips, and awareness of your audience can help you write confidently and understand when in regards may be acceptable. When you search the forms, note that in regards is widely used, but the correct usage in formal documents is usually in regard.
In Regard or In Regards – Why This Confusion Exists
English is full of phrases that sound right because we hear them wrong so often. “In regard(s) to” is one of those cases.
You’ll see the confusion everywhere:
- Emails at work
- Customer support replies
- Academic writing drafts
- Even social media posts
So why does this mistake stick around?
The main reasons include:
- People confuse it with “best regards”
- Spoken English influences writing habits
- The plural “regards” looks polite, so it feels correct
- Auto-correct and templates repeat the error
Here’s the twist: English actually separates these ideas completely. One is about topics, the other is about greetings.
The Correct Form: “In Regard to” Explained
Let’s get straight to the rule.
The correct phrase is: “in regard to”
This is the standard, grammatically accepted form in formal English.
What it means:
“In regard to” simply means:
- about
- concerning
- with reference to
Why it is correct
The word “regard” here functions as an uncountable noun. It refers to attention or consideration of something. Because it is not plural, you do not add an “s.”
Clear examples:
- In regard to your application, we need more documents.
- She spoke in regard to the recent policy change.
- In regard to your question, the answer is yes.
Simple breakdown:
Think of it like this:
- “regard” = attention toward something
- “in regard to” = in connection with that attention
No plural needed. No exception in formal grammar rules.
Why “In Regards” Is Considered Incorrect
Now let’s address the mistake directly: “in regards to”
You’ve probably seen it many times. It appears in emails, business chats, and even published writing. But here’s the truth:
“In regards to” is not standard English
Most grammar guides and style manuals label it as incorrect or informal.
Why people still use it:
- It gets confused with “best regards” in email sign-offs
- It sounds more “polite” to some ears
- It spreads through copied templates
- Many people simply learn it incorrectly and repeat it
The core issue:
The word “regards” already has a different meaning in English. It is used for greetings, not topic references.
So when you say:
- “In regards to your email…”
You are mixing two unrelated grammatical systems.
Corrected version:
- “In regard to your email…”
“Regards” Is Correct — Just Not in This Way
Here’s where most confusion starts.
The word “regards” is absolutely correct in English, just not in this structure.
Correct uses of “regards”:
- Best regards (email closing)
- With regards (polite sign-off)
- Send my regards (greeting someone through another person)
Examples:
- Please send my regards to your family.
- Best regards, John.
- With regards, we appreciate your support.
Key difference:
| Phrase | Meaning |
| in regard to | about something |
| regards | greetings or respect |
Once you separate these meanings, the confusion disappears quickly.
In Regard To vs With Regard To vs Regarding
Now let’s compare the three most common correct forms. Each one is valid, but they behave differently in tone and style.
Comparison table:
| Phrase | Usage | Tone | Example |
| in regard to | formal, specific reference | formal | In regard to your complaint, we investigated the issue. |
| with regard to | formal alternative | slightly more formal | With regard to your request, we will respond soon. |
| regarding | modern, simple, widely used | neutral | Regarding your request, we will respond soon. |
What stands out:
- “regarding” is the most natural in modern English
- “in regard to” still appears in legal and formal writing
- “with regard to” feels slightly old-fashioned but still correct
Practical tip:
If you want clean, modern writing, choose “regarding.”
If you want formal tone, choose “in regard to.”
Common Mistakes People Make with In Regard or In Regards
Let’s look at real mistakes that appear in everyday writing.
Mistake 1: Using “in regards to” in emails
- In regards to your request, we will reply soon.
- In regard to your request, we will reply soon.
- Regarding your request, we will reply soon.
Mistake 2: Mixing greetings and topics
- In regards to your message, best regards…
This mixes two unrelated uses of “regards.”
Mistake 3: Overusing formal phrases
People sometimes write:
- “In regard to the matter of your inquiry…”
But a simpler version works better:
- “Regarding your inquiry…”
Read More: Through or Thru: Your Grammar Guide to Mastering?
Mistake 4: Copy-paste habit from templates
Many businesses still use outdated templates with “in regards to,” which spreads the error further.
How Native Speakers Actually Use It
Here’s what real usage looks like in modern English communication.
Observed patterns in usage:
- “Regarding” dominates emails, messaging, and business writing
- “In regard to” appears in legal documents or formal reports
- “In regards to” appears mostly in unedited or informal writing
Simple truth:
Native speakers rarely say “in regards to” in polished writing.
Instead, they prefer:
- regarding
- about
- concerning
Example shift in modern writing:
Old style:
- In regards to your question, we will respond shortly.
Modern style:
- Regarding your question, we will respond shortly.
Shorter. Cleaner. More natural.
Simple Memory Trick to Avoid the Error
Here’s an easy rule you can actually remember without thinking too hard:
🧠 Memory shortcut:
If you are talking about a topic, remove the “s.”
So:
- in regards to → wrong
- in regard to → correct
Or even simpler:
If it’s not a greeting, don’t use “regards.”
Real-World Examples in Writing
Let’s see how this works in real communication.
Business email example:
Incorrect:
- In regards to your invoice, we need more details.
Correct:
- In regard to your invoice, we need more details.
- Regarding your invoice, we need more details.
Customer service example:
Incorrect:
- In regards to your complaint, we are investigating.
Correct:
- In regard to your complaint, we are investigating.
Academic writing example:
Incorrect:
- In regards to climate change data, the study shows variation.
Correct:
- In regard to climate change data, the study shows variation.
Case Study: How Small Grammar Fixes Improve Professional Tone
Let’s take a real-world scenario.
Situation:
A customer support team sends out email replies using a template:
“In regards to your request, our team is reviewing the issue.”
Problem:
Customers perceive it as slightly unpolished or outdated.
Fix:
The company updates the template:
“Regarding your request, our team is reviewing the issue.”
Result:
- Clearer tone
- Faster readability
- More modern brand voice
- Fewer grammar corrections from recipients
This small change improves perception without changing meaning.
Why “Regarding” Often Wins in Modern English
Let’s be honest. Language evolves toward simplicity.
Why “regarding” is preferred today:
- Shorter
- Easier to read
- Works in formal and informal writing
- Less chance of confusion
- Feels natural in conversation
Example comparison:
- In regard to your request → formal but longer
- Regarding your request → clean and direct
In most cases, shorter wins.
When You Should Still Use “In Regard To”
Even though “regarding” is more popular, “in regard to” still has a place.
Use it when:
- Writing legal documents
- Writing formal reports
- You want a slightly more structured tone
Avoid it when:
- Writing casual emails
- Messaging colleagues
- Writing online content
- Trying to sound natural
Quick Reference Guide
Here’s a simple breakdown you can remember:
- in regard to → correct formal phrase
- regarding → best modern choice
- with regard to → formal alternative
- in regards to → incorrect in standard English
- regards → greetings or sign-offs only
FAQs
1. Is “in regard” or “in regards” correct?
In regard is generally the preferred form, especially in formal writing, business emails, and professional documents. In regards is widely used, but it is often considered less formal.
2. When should I use “in regard to”?
Use in regard to when you want to refer to a specific subject, topic, request, or matter. For example, it can introduce the subject you are discussing.
3. Is “regard” a plural noun?
In this expression, regard works as a non-count noun, so treating regards as its simple plural is misleading. The phrase in regard to is the standard choice.
4. Is “in regards to” acceptable in English?
In regards to does appear in everyday and less formal communication, but in regard to is safer for formal writing and professional communication.
5. Is “in regard” used in British and American English?
Yes. British English and American English both use in regard to. Although usage can vary, in regard to remains a clear and professional choice for formal contexts.
Conclusion
Choosing in regard instead of in regards can make your writing sound clearer and more professional, particularly in formal writing, business emails, and documents. When you are referring to a specific subject, request, or matter, in regard to is the safest expression to use.
If you are ever confused, remember the simple rule: stick with “in regard to” when writing formally. While in regards may appear in less formal communication, in regard to is the more traditional and grammatically correct choice.
