Many people feel unsure when writing in regard or in regards in emails, reports, or everyday messages. Both phrases look almost the same, so it is easy to think they mean the same thing. But in formal English, only one form is usually considered correct. Small language choices like this can change how professional and clear your writing sounds.
Understanding the difference helps you avoid common grammar mistakes. It also improves communication in workplaces, schools, and professional writing. Once you learn the rule behind in regard or in regards, the confusion disappears. The correct form becomes easy to remember and simple to use in daily conversations and written communication.
1. In Regard or In Regards
The short answer is simple.
“In regard” or “in regard to” is the correct and standard phrase in formal English.
“In regards” is usually considered informal or incorrect in professional writing.
Simple breakdown
- In regard to = about or concerning something
- In regards to = informal variation often avoided in formal English
Real examples
Email example
“In regard to your request, the report will be ready tomorrow.”
→ Used in professional communication.
Office message
“I’m writing in regard to the meeting schedule.”
→ Refers to a specific topic.
Incorrect example
“I’m writing in regards to the meeting.”
→ Common but less correct in formal writing.
The safest option is in regard to.
2. The Origin of “In Regard or In Regards”
Looking at the history of the word regard helps explain the difference.
Origin of “regard”
The word regard comes from Old French regarder, meaning to look at or pay attention to. Over time, English adopted the word to mean consideration, attention, or concern about something.
Because of this meaning, the phrase “in regard to” developed to mean about or concerning something.
Where “in regards” came from
The phrase “in regards to” appeared later in casual speech. Many speakers added the “s” because they were familiar with other expressions like:
- “Best regards”
- “Kind regards”
However, these phrases are different. They express good wishes, not explanation or reference to a topic.
Why confusion exists
Several reasons explain the confusion:
- People mix “in regard to” with “best regards.”
- Spoken English often changes grammar over time.
- Informal writing on social media spreads incorrect forms quickly.
Despite this, most grammar guides still recommend “in regard to.”
3. British English vs American English
Interestingly, the difference between in regard or in regards does not come from British or American spelling.
Both language systems prefer “in regard to.”
However, usage patterns can vary slightly in informal speech.
Practical examples
British English example
“I am writing in regard to the university application.”
American English example
“I’m contacting you in regard to your order.”
Both use the same correct phrase.
Comparison table
| Feature | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Correct phrase | In regard to | In regard to |
| Informal variant | Sometimes heard | Sometimes heard |
| Formal writing | Avoid “in regards” | Avoid “in regards” |
| Business communication | In regard to | In regard to |
In both regions, “in regard to” is the preferred professional form.
4. Which Version Should You Use?
Choosing the right phrase depends on clarity and professionalism.
For business communication
Use in regard to.
Example:
“I am writing in regard to the contract update.”
For academic writing
Use in regard to because it follows standard grammar rules.
Example:
“This study focuses on climate policy in regard to global cooperation.”
For everyday conversation
People may say in regards to, but it is still safer to use in regard to.
Simple rule
If you want writing that sounds clear, professional, and correct, choose in regard to.
5. Common Mistakes with “In Regard or In Regards”
Many writers make small mistakes with this phrase.
Mistake 1: Adding an unnecessary “s”
❌ Incorrect
“I’m writing in regards to your application.”
✅ Correct
“I’m writing in regard to your application.”
Mistake 2: Mixing it with email greetings
❌ Incorrect
“In regards to, John.”
✅ Correct
“Best regards, John.”
These are different expressions.
Mistake 3: Using it without “to”
❌ Incorrect
“I called in regard your request.”
✅ Correct
“I called in regard to your request.”
The word “to” completes the phrase.
Mistake 4: Overusing the phrase
Instead of repeating it often, you can use simpler alternatives like:
- about
- concerning
- regarding
Example:
“This message is regarding the schedule change.”
Clear writing always wins.
6. In Regard or In Regards in Everyday Usage
These phrases appear in many everyday situations.
Emails
“I’m writing in regard to the meeting tomorrow.”
This is common in professional communication.
Social media
“In regard to the update, the event date has changed.”
People often use it to clarify a topic.
News and blogs
“The company issued a statement in regard to safety concerns.”
It helps introduce a specific subject.
Formal or academic writing
“The research focuses on technology policies in regard to environmental impact.”
Here the phrase creates a clear connection between ideas.
7. In Regard or In Regards
Many people search this phrase online because the difference is confusing.
Main search reasons
- grammar clarification
- professional writing accuracy
- correct email wording
- avoiding mistakes
Country-wise interest
United States: Very high searches
United Kingdom: High interest
Canada: Moderate searches
Australia: Moderate searches
The rise of remote work and global communication makes grammar questions like in regard or in regards more important.
Context-based usage
- Business writing prefers in regard to
- Academic writing prefers in regard to
- Informal speech sometimes uses in regards to
Clear grammar builds trust.
8. Keyword Variations Comparison
Different variations appear in writing and searches.
| Keyword Variation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| in regard to | Correct formal phrase |
| in regards to | Informal variation |
| regarding | Simple alternative |
| with regard to | Formal alternative |
| about | Simple everyday replacement |
| concerning | Formal topic reference |
Using these variations helps avoid repetition while keeping the message clear.
FAQs
1. Is “in regards to” grammatically correct?
Many people use it, but most grammar guides recommend “in regard to.”
2. What does “in regard to” mean?
It means about or concerning a specific topic.
3. Is “with regard to” the same as “in regard to”?
Yes. Both phrases have the same meaning and are commonly used in formal writing.
4. Can I use “regarding” instead?
Yes. Regarding is a shorter and very clear alternative.
Example:
“Regarding your question, the answer is yes.”
5. Why do people say “in regards to”?
It likely comes from confusion with phrases like “best regards.”
6. Which phrase is best for professional emails?
Use “in regard to.” It is clear and widely accepted.
Conclusion
The confusion around in regard or in regards is very common, but the solution is simple. Standard English prefers “in regard to” when referring to a topic or subject. While “in regards to” appears in casual speech, it is usually avoided in formal communication.
Choosing the correct phrase improves clarity and professionalism. you are writing emails, reports, or academic work, using in regard to helps your message sound confident and accurate. Clear language always makes communication stronger.
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