In Regard To Versus In Regards To

In Regard To Versus In Regards To: Clearing Up a Common Grammatical Dilemma

The English language is filled with subtle distinctions that can trip up even the most diligent writers and speakers. Among the most persistent and widely debated is the choice between "in regard to" and "in regards to." Both phrases serve the identical purpose of introducing a topic or subject of discussion, yet a grammatical chasm separates them. This seemingly minor prepositional choice sparks frequent uncertainty in emails, reports, and academic papers. Understanding which form is correct, why one is preferred, and the contexts where the other might slip through is essential for anyone aiming for polished, professional communication. This article will definitively settle the score, exploring the grammar, history, and modern usage of these two phrases to equip you with the confidence to choose correctly every time.

The Core Grammatical Rule: Singular vs. Plural

At its heart, the distinction is one of number. The word "regard" in this context is a noun meaning "consideration," "attention," or "reference to." When we use the phrase "in regard to," the noun "regard" is being used in its singular, uncountable form. It functions like "in light of" or "in connection with." You are speaking of the general regard or consideration given to a subject.

• In regard to your inquiry, we have initiated an investigation.
• Please direct all questions in regard to the policy change to human resources.

Conversely, "in regards to" treats "regards" as a plural noun. This implies multiple individual regards or greetings, which doesn't align with the intended meaning of "concerning" or "regarding." The plural form "regards" is perfectly correct in other contexts, most commonly at the close of a letter or email ("Kind regards"), where it means "best wishes." However, when introducing a topic, the singular "regard" is the grammatically sound choice.

Think of it this way: you are directing regard (a singular mass of attention) toward a topic, not sending multiple discrete regards.

A Journey Through History and Usage

The singular form "in regard to" has a long and established history in formal English. Its cousin, "with regard to," is equally correct and perhaps even more common in British English. Both are unequivocally accepted by major style guides as the standard for formal writing.

The plural variant, "in regards to," is a relatively modern phenomenon, gaining significant traction in the late 20th century, particularly in American English. Its rise is often attributed to analogy with the correct plural use in letter closings ("Regards,") and a general tendency in spoken language to regularize nouns. While its use is widespread and understood by all native speakers, it remains stigmatized in formal contexts. Corpus linguistics studies show that while "in regards to" appears frequently in informal digital communication (social media, quick internal chats), "in regard to" and "with regard to" dominate in edited publications, academic journals, and professional documents.

This creates a fascinating linguistic divide: descriptively, "in regards to" is used by millions; prescriptively, it is still considered an error by guardians of formal grammar.

What the Authorities Say: Style Guide Verdicts

If you need a definitive rule to follow, consult the major style manuals. Their guidance is unanimous.

• The Chicago Manual of Style: Recommends "with regard to" or "in regard to" as the correct forms. It does not sanction "in regards to."
• The AP Stylebook: Prefers "about" or "on" for simplicity but states that if the phrase is used, it should be "in regard to" or "with regard to."
• Garner’s Modern English Usage: Labels "in regards to" as "widely shunned by usage authorities" and a "solecism" (a grammatical error). Bryan Garner strongly advocates for the singular forms.
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Lists "in regard to" as the primary entry, defining it as "with reference to." The entry for "regards" as a prepositional phrase explicitly notes it is "used with in" but marks it as "sometimes used" and less formal than the singular alternative.

The consensus is clear: for any writing that demands credibility—business proposals, legal documents, academic submissions, or client-facing communications—"in regard to" or its equivalent "with regard to" is the only acceptable choice.

Practical Examples: Seeing the Difference in Action

Seeing the phrases side-by-side in realistic contexts cements the rule.

Correct Usage (Formal & Professional)

• In regard to the budget shortfall, the CFO will present several mitigation strategies.
• I am writing with regard to your application for the senior analyst position.
• The new protocol applies in regard to all laboratory safety procedures.
• His comments were made with regard to the proposed merger, not the quarterly earnings.

Incorrect Usage (To Be Avoided in Formal Writing)

• ❌ In regards to the budget shortfall, the CFO will present several strategies. (Formal error)
• ❌ I am writing in regards to your application. (Should be "with/in regard to")
• ❌ This applies in regards to all departments. *(Incorrect