Are you often confused about whether to use in regard or in regards in your writing? You’re not alone. Many people struggle to differentiate between these two phrases, and it’s easy to see why. They seem to be interchangeable, and it’s not always clear which one is correct. In this article, we’ll examine the differences between “in regard” and “in regards” and provide you with some helpful tips to ensure you’re using them correctly.
In Regard or In Regards: Grammar Smackdown
In Regard or In Regards
When it comes to using in regard or in regards, many people are unsure which one is correct. The truth is, both are technically correct, but there are some differences in usage that you should be aware of.
First, let’s look at “in regard.” This phrase is often used in formal writing and is more commonly used in British English. It is used to mean “with reference to” or “concerning.” For example:
- In regard to your question, I would like to clarify that we do not offer refunds.
- The company’s policy in regard to employee benefits is quite generous.
On the other hand, “in regards” is a more informal variation of the phrase and is more commonly used in American English. It is used in the same way as “in regard” and means “with regard to” or “concerning.” For example:
- In regards to your question, I would like to clarify that we do not offer refunds.
- The company’s policy in regards to employee benefits is quite generous.
While both phrases are technically correct, it’s worth noting that “in regards” is considered by many to be less formal and more casual than “in regard.” It’s also worth noting that some people consider “in regards” to be incorrect or non-standard English, so if you’re writing in a formal context, it’s probably best to stick with “in regard.”
To summarize:
- “In regard” is more formal and more commonly used in British English.
- “In regards” is more informal and more commonly used in American English.
- Both phrases mean the same thing and are technically correct, but “in regards” is considered by some to be less formal and more casual.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
In Regard | In Regards |
---|---|
More formal | More informal |
More common in British English | More common in American English |
Used to mean “with reference to” or “concerning” | Used to mean “with regard to” or “concerning” |
Considered more standard English | Considered by some to be non-standard English |
In conclusion, whether you use in regard or in regards depends on the context and your personal preference. Just remember to be consistent in your usage and be aware of the differences between the two phrases.
Understanding ‘In Regard’
Definition of ‘In Regard’
‘In Regard’ is a prepositional phrase that means with reference to or concerning something. It is often used in formal writing or speech to indicate that the speaker or writer is paying attention to a specific aspect of a topic.
Usage of ‘In Regard’
‘In Regard’ is a more formal and traditional way of expressing the same idea as ‘In Regards.’ It is important to note that ‘In Regard’ is the correct phrase to use, whereas ‘In Regards’ is considered incorrect. It is always better to use the former in formal writing or speech.
Here are some examples of how ‘In Regard’ is used in sentences:
- In regard to your request, we will be happy to provide you with the necessary information.
- The company’s policies in regard to employee safety are very strict.
- She always takes into regard the opinions of others before making a decision.
It is important to note that ‘In Regard’ is often used in conjunction with other prepositions such as ‘to,’ ‘with,’ ‘about,’ or ‘for.’ Here are some examples:
- In regard to the recent changes, we have decided to postpone the meeting.
- With regard to your question, I think it’s best to consult an expert.
- We need to think about the consequences in regard to our actions.
In summary, ‘In Regard’ is a formal and correct way of expressing the idea of concerning or with reference to something. It is important to use the correct phrase in formal writing or speech.
Exploring ‘In Regards’
Definition of ‘In Regards’
‘In Regards’ is a phrase that is commonly used in informal settings. It is often used as a substitute for ‘in regard to,’ which is the more formal version of the phrase. The word ‘regard’ means to consider or take into account, and when used in the phrase ‘in regard to,’ it means with respect to or concerning.
The phrase ‘in regards’ is a common mistake that many people make. It is incorrect because ‘regards’ is a plural noun, and the phrase should be singular. Therefore, the correct phrase to use is ‘in regard to.’
Usage of ‘In Regards’
When using the phrase ‘in regard to,’ it is important to note that it is often used in formal settings, such as in business or academic writing. It is also commonly used in legal documents and official correspondence.
On the other hand, ‘in regards to’ is used more informally, such as in casual conversations or emails. However, it is important to note that it is still considered incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing.
Here are some examples of correct usage of ‘in regard to’:
- In regard to your application, we regret to inform you that it has been denied.
- The company’s policy in regard to employee benefits is quite generous.
And here are some examples of incorrect usage of ‘in regards to’:
- In regards to your email, I will respond as soon as possible.
- The report discusses the company’s progress in regards to meeting its goals.
Comparison Table
‘In Regard To’ | ‘In Regards To’ |
---|---|
Formal | Informal |
Singular | Plural |
Correct | Incorrect |
Used in business, academic, legal, and official writing | Used in casual conversations or emails |
In conclusion, it is important to use the correct phrase when expressing oneself in writing. While ‘in regards to’ may seem like a minor mistake, it can have a negative impact on the overall impression of the writer’s competence and professionalism. Therefore, it is always best to use the correct phrase ‘in regard to’ in formal writing.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Using ‘In Regards’ Instead of ‘In Regard’
One of the most common mistakes people make when using the phrase ‘in regard’ is to add an “s” to the end, resulting in ‘in regards.’ This is incorrect and is considered a grammatical error. The correct phrase is ‘in regard.’
For example, instead of saying “In regards to your email,” you should say “In regard to your email.”
Confusing ‘In Regards To’ and ‘In Regard To’
Another common mistake is to use ‘in regards to’ instead of ‘in regard to.’ While both phrases are used to introduce a topic or subject, ‘in regard to’ is the correct phrase.
For example, instead of saying “In regards to the meeting,” you should say “In regard to the meeting.”
It’s important to note that the phrase ‘with regard to’ is also correct and can be used interchangeably with ‘in regard to.’
Here’s a table to compare the correct usage of ‘in regard’ and ‘in regards’:
Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
---|---|
In regard to | In regards to |
With regard to | With regards to |
In summary, it’s important to use the correct phrase when introducing a topic or subject. ‘In regard’ is the correct phrase, and adding an “s” to the end to make it ‘in regards’ is incorrect. Additionally, ‘in regard to’ is the correct phrase and should not be confused with ‘in regards to.’ Remember, using proper grammar and phrasing can make a big difference in how your writing is perceived.
Correct Usage in Different Contexts
Formal Writing
In formal writing, it is recommended to use “in regard to” instead of “in regards to.” This phrase is commonly used in legal documents, academic papers, and professional emails. Using “in regards to” in formal writing may be considered informal and grammatically incorrect.
Examples:
- Correct: In regard to your inquiry, we would like to provide you with the necessary information.
- Incorrect: In regards to your inquiry, we would like to provide you with the necessary information.
Informal Writing
In informal writing, such as personal emails or social media posts, both “in regard to” and “in regards to” can be used interchangeably. However, “in regard to” is still more commonly used in informal writing.
Examples:
- Correct: In regards to your message, I will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Correct: In regard to your message, I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Business Correspondence
In business correspondence, it is best to follow the company’s style guide or the preferred usage of the recipient. If in doubt, it is safer to use “in regard to” instead of “in regards to.”
Examples:
- Correct: In regard to the upcoming meeting, we would like to confirm your attendance.
- Incorrect: In regards to the upcoming meeting, we would like to confirm your attendance.
It is important to note that “regard” is a singular noun, while “regards” is plural. Therefore, “in regard to” should be used when referring to a single matter, while “in regards to” can be used when referring to multiple matters.
Examples:
- Correct: In regard to your request for more information, we have attached the necessary documents.
- Correct: In regards to your requests for more information, we have attached the necessary documents.
In summary, “in regard to” is the preferred and more formal phrase, while “in regards to” can be used in informal writing. However, it is important to use the correct phrase in the appropriate context to avoid grammatical errors and maintain professionalism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand the difference between “in regard to” and “in regards to” when writing in a formal setting. While both phrases have similar meanings, “in regard to” is the correct and more commonly used phrase in formal writing.
Using “in regards to” is considered an error and should be avoided. Remember that “regard” is singular, so it should be paired with the singular preposition “to.”
Here are some examples of correct usage:
- In regard to your question, I would recommend seeking advice from a legal professional.
- The company policy states that all inquiries must be made in regard to company procedures.
It is also worth noting that “regards” is a plural noun that is often used to express good wishes or greetings. For example:
- Give my regards to your family.
- With warm regards, [Your Name]
To avoid confusion, it is important to use the correct form of the word depending on the context of your writing.
Overall, understanding the nuances of language is essential for effective communication. By using the correct phrases and words, you can convey your message clearly and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ‘in regard’ and ‘in regards’?
‘In regard’ is a singular phrase that is commonly used in formal settings. It means with reference to or concerning. On the other hand, ‘in regards’ is considered incorrect and is a plural form of the phrase ‘in regard’. So, the correct phrase is ‘in regard to’ and not ‘in regards to’.
Is ‘in regards’ grammatically correct?
No, ‘in regards’ is not grammatically correct. It is considered an error. The correct phrase is ‘in regard to’.
What is an example of ‘in regards to’?
An example of ‘in regards to’ is: “In regards to your email, I will get back to you soon.” However, this phrase is incorrect. The correct phrase is ‘in regard to’.
How do I use ‘regard’?
‘Regard’ is a noun that means consideration or respect. It is often used in the phrase ‘in regard to’, which means concerning or with reference to. For example, “In regard to your question, I will do my best to answer it.”
What does ‘in regards to this matter’ mean?
‘In regards to this matter’ means concerning or with reference to this issue. It is a formal way of referring to a specific topic or subject.
What is the meaning and usage of ‘in regards to’?
‘In regards to’ is an incorrect phrase. The correct phrase is ‘in regard to’, which means with reference to or concerning. It is often used in formal settings, such as business or legal documents. For example, “In regard to the contract, we need to review the terms and conditions.”
In summary, ‘in regard’ is the correct phrase, and ‘in regards’ is incorrect. It is important to use the correct phrase to avoid errors in grammar and communication.
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