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If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence while drafting an email or report and wondered whether to write “in regard” or “in regards,” you’re in good company. I see this confusion regularly in student writing, and here’s why it trips people up: both phrases sound natural when you say them aloud, they’re used interchangeably in casual conversation, and many style guides acknowledge both exist. But in formal writing — the kind that matters for professional emails, legal documents, and academic papers — only one version is correct.
You’ll covers the one rule you need (it’s simpler than you think), shows you when to break the rule and why, walks through five test sentences, and explains the “regards” versus “regard” distinction that confuses even experienced writers. By the time you finish, you’ll know exactly which form to reach for in any context.
Key Takeaways
- “In regard” is singular and formal — the standard choice in professional and legal writing.
- “In regards” is a regional variation — accepted in informal American English but considered non-standard in formal contexts.
- The word is singular — “regard” is the noun, not “regards.” Regard = one consideration; regards = greetings or multiple considerations.
- Memory hook — “In regards to…” is wrong; “In regard to…” is right. Check: can you substitute “with respect to”? If yes, use “in regard.”
- When “regards” is correct — Only when it’s a plural noun meaning “greetings” (“Give my regards to your family”) or a verb meaning “considers” (“She regards him highly”).
The Core Rule: “In Regard” vs. “In Regards”
The distinction is straightforward once you understand the grammar underneath. “Regard” is a singular noun meaning “respect,” “consideration,” or “reference to something.” When you use the phrase “in regard to,” you’re saying “with respect to” or “concerning a single matter.”
Example 1: In regard to your application, we will review it next week.
Example 2: The manager has concerns in regard to the project timeline.
Example 3: I have one question in regard to the contract terms.
“In regards,” by contrast, uses “regards” as a plural form. This version exists in informal American English and is used more loosely. Many native speakers use it in emails and casual writing, but it’s marked as “non-standard” or “less formal” in most style guides and dictionaries.
Example 1 (informal): In regards to your email, I’ll respond tomorrow.
Example 2 (informal): Regarding the meeting, please let me know if you can attend.
The Rule: In formal writing — business correspondence, legal documents, academic papers, and professional emails — always use “in regard to.” In casual speech or informal emails between friends, “in regards” is acceptable but still marks you as less formal. When in doubt, choose “in regard.”
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | In Regard | In Regards |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar | Singular noun (“regard” = respect/consideration) | Plural noun or verb form (non-standard in this context) |
| Formality | Formal; standard in all contexts | Informal; regional variation (American English) |
| Register | Business, legal, academic writing | Casual emails, conversation, informal writing |
| Alternative phrase | “With respect to”; “concerning”; “regarding” | None recommended in formal writing |
| Frequency in published English | ~95% of professional and edited text | ~5% (mostly informal or regional use) |
| Style guide recommendation | All major guides (APA, Chicago, AP) | Avoid in formal writing |
Understanding “Regard” as a Singular Noun
The confusion often stems from the fact that “regards” appears in two other common phrases:
- “Give my regards to…” — Here, “regards” means “greetings” or “good wishes” (plural noun). Example: “Give my regards to your mother.”
- “She regards him as…” — Here, “regards” is a verb meaning “considers” or “views.” Example: “The company regards safety as a top priority.”
But in the phrase “in regard to,” we’re using “regard” as a singular noun. Think of it this way: “in regard to” = “in [one consideration of]” or “with respect to.” You’re not saying “in [multiple considerations]” or “in [she considers].”
Example 1: In regard to your question, I need more information. (singular: one specific question)
Example 2: We have new policies in regard to remote work. (singular: one general topic)
Example 3: The company has no comment in regard to the lawsuit. (singular: one matter)
When Should You Use “In Regards To” (The Informal Version)?
While “in regards to” is technically non-standard, it’s widely used in casual American English. If you’re texting a friend, chatting on social media, or writing an informal email to a colleague you know well, no one will judge you. However, understanding the rule matters because:
- Formal job applications and cover letters should use “in regard to.”
- Legal documents, contracts, and official correspondence require “in regard to.”
- Academic papers and research writing call for “in regard to.”
- Business emails, especially with clients or senior management, should use “in regard to.”
In brief: if your reader is evaluating your professionalism, your grammar, or your attention to detail, use “in regard.” If you’re uncertain about the context, “in regard” is always the safe choice.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
✗ Incorrect: In regards to your inquiry, we have processed your request.
✓ Correct: In regard to your inquiry, we have processed your request.
Why: Formal business correspondence requires the singular form. The plural “regards” is non-standard here.
✗ Incorrect: The company has new guidelines in regards to vacation time.
✓ Correct: The company has new guidelines in regard to vacation time.
Why: This is a formal policy statement. Use the singular noun.
✗ Incorrect: Please let me know your thoughts in regards to the proposal.
✓ Correct: Please let me know your thoughts in regard to the proposal.
Why: Professional email should use the standard singular form.
✗ Incorrect: In regards to the contract, both parties have signed.
✓ Correct: In regard to the contract, both parties have signed.
Why: Legal or official documents always use the formal singular.
Sample Dialogue
Alex (manager): Did you send that email to the client about the project delay?
Jordan: Yes. I wrote “in regards to the timeline change” — is that right?
Alex: Not quite. In formal emails to clients, we use “in regard to” — singular. It’s more professional.
Jordan: Got it. So “in regards” is always wrong?
Alex: Not wrong — just less formal. In casual writing or text, people use it all the time. But for client-facing work, stick with “in regard.”
Jordan: Thanks. I’ll correct that before I send it.
Quick Quiz
- Choose the correct form: “In ________ to your request, we will provide the documents by Friday.” (regard / regards)
- Which sentence is correct for a formal business letter? “In regards to your proposal” OR “In regard to your proposal”?
- Complete the sentence: “Give my ________ to your family.” (regard / regards)
- Fill in the blank: “The director ________ our plan as risky.” (regards / regard)
- Which is appropriate in a legal document? “In regards to the terms” OR “In regard to the terms”?
Answers: 1. regard · 2. In regard to your proposal · 3. regards · 4. regards · 5. In regard to the terms.
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Grammar
- Accept vs. Except — another common preposition confusion
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Confused Words (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between “in regard” and “in regards”?
“In regard” uses the singular noun and is the formal, standard form used in professional writing. “In regards” is a regional variation common in informal American English but is marked as non-standard in formal contexts. For business, legal, and academic writing, always use “in regard.”
Is “in regards” grammatically correct?
In informal English, yes — many native speakers use it. In formal English, no — most style guides and dictionaries mark it as less formal or non-standard. For professional writing, it’s considered an error. For casual conversation, it’s acceptable.
Can I use “regards” in other contexts?
Yes. “Regards” is correct when it means “greetings” (e.g., “Give my regards to your family”) or when it’s a verb meaning “considers” (e.g., “She regards him as a mentor”). But in the phrase “in regard to,” it should be singular.
What should I do if I’ve been using “in regards to” in my writing?
Review any formal documents, business emails, or academic papers and change “in regards to” to “in regard to.” For informal emails or casual writing, it’s less critical, but for professional contexts, correctness matters.
Are there alternatives to “in regard to”?
Yes. You can use “regarding,” “concerning,” “with respect to,” or “about” depending on context. Example: “Regarding your question, I will follow up.” These alternatives are equally formal and avoid the confusion altogether.
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