Introduction
Good writing is not only about using correct grammar. It is also about choosing the right words to make your ideas clear, interesting, and easy to understand. Writers often use figurative language, descriptive language, metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to make their writing more colorful. These tools help readers imagine ideas, understand emotions, and remember information better.
However, before using creative writing techniques, it is important to master everyday grammar and common expressions. Small phrases can make a big difference in how professional and natural your writing sounds. One expression that often confuses students, writers, and English learners is whether they should write “with regard to” or “with regards to.”
Although both versions appear in emails, business letters, websites, and everyday conversations, only one is considered the standard choice in formal English. Understanding the difference will improve your writing skills, vocabulary enhancement, and communication. This guide explains the meaning, grammar, usage, examples, common mistakes, tone differences, and helpful practice exercises in simple language suitable for students from Grades 6–9.
What Does the Expression Mean?
The phrase means about, concerning, regarding, or related to a particular topic.
It introduces the subject that someone is talking or writing about.
Simple Meaning
- About
- Concerning
- Related to
- In reference to
Examples
- I have a question with regard to my homework.
- She called with regard to the meeting.
- We need more information with regard to school safety.
In every example, the phrase simply means about.
Which Expression Is Correct?
The standard expression is:
With regard to
The version with regards to is widely heard in everyday speech and informal writing, but many grammar experts consider it less formal and less preferred.
Quick Comparison Table
ExpressionCorrect?Formal?Best UseWith regard to✅ YesYesFormal writing, school, businessWith regards toSometimes acceptedMostly informalCasual conversations, informal emails
Easy Rule
If you are writing:
- School assignments
- Business emails
- Research papers
- Professional letters
choose with regard to.
Why Do People Say “With Regards To”?
Many people confuse this expression because of another common phrase:
Give my regards to your family.
Here, regards means greetings or best wishes.
Example:
- Please give my regards to your parents.
But in with regard to, the word regard means attention, reference, or connection, not greetings.
Because both expressions use similar words, many speakers accidentally add the “s.”
Grammar Behind the Expression
The noun regard has several meanings.
Regard can mean:
- Attention
- Respect
- Consideration
- Reference
In the phrase with regard to, the word acts as part of a fixed prepositional expression.
Structure:
With + regard + to + noun/pronoun/topic
Examples:
- with regard to education
- with regard to grammar
- with regard to the project
- with regard to your request
Notice that regard stays singular.
Comparison with Similar Expressions
Many phrases have the same meaning.
ExpressionMeaningFormalityAboutSimpleInformalRegardingAboutFormalConcerningAboutFormalIn relation toConnected withFormalIn reference toAboutFormalAs forSpeaking aboutInformalOn the subject ofAboutNeutral
Examples
Instead of saying:
- I have a question with regard to the exam.
You can also write:
- I have a question about the exam.
- I have a question regarding the exam.
- I have a question concerning the exam.
All are correct.
Sentence Examples in Different Situations
School
- I have a question with regard to today’s lesson.
- The teacher spoke with regard to homework rules.
- Students asked questions with regard to the science project.
Business
- I am writing with regard to your recent order.
- We need clarification with regard to the contract.
- Please contact us with regard to payment.
Everyday Conversation
- Can I ask something with regard to your trip?
- She called with regard to the appointment.
- He wanted information with regard to the new rules.
News
- Officials released a statement with regard to public safety.
- Experts shared advice with regard to climate change.
Formal vs Informal Tone
Choosing the right tone is important.
Formal
Use:
- with regard to
- regarding
- concerning
- in reference to
Examples
- We are writing with regard to your application.
- The report includes information regarding pollution.
Informal
Use:
- about
- on
- as for
Examples
- Let’s talk about the game.
- What about tomorrow?
- As for me, I’m ready.
Comparison Table
SituationBest ChoiceBusiness emailWith regard toSchool essayWith regard toResearch paperRegardingFriendly chatAboutText messageAbout
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1
❌ With regards to your email…
✅ With regard to your email…
Mistake 2
❌ In regards to
✅ In regard to
Mistake 3
Using it too often.
Instead of repeating the same phrase, vary your writing.
Example
Instead of writing:
- With regard to the meeting…
- With regard to the report…
- With regard to the schedule…
Try:
- Regarding the meeting…
- About the report…
- Concerning the schedule…
This makes your writing smoother.
Writing Tips for Students and Writers
Good writers avoid repeating the same expressions.
Instead, they use different transition words.
Useful alternatives include:
- about
- regarding
- concerning
- related to
- connected with
- in relation to
- speaking of
- as for
This improves:
- vocabulary enhancement
- writing skills
- sentence variety
- descriptive language
- communication
Figurative Language and Creative Writing
Although this expression itself is not figurative language, understanding grammar helps writers use literary devices more effectively.
Simile Example
The teacher explained grammar like a flashlight lighting a dark room.
Metaphor Example
Grammar is the foundation of every strong sentence.
Personification Example
The dictionary welcomed every curious learner.
Hyperbole Example
I checked the grammar rules a thousand times.
Idiom Example
Practice makes perfect.
These creative writing tools make writing more interesting while grammar keeps it correct.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1
Choose the correct expression.
- I am writing _____ your application.
A. with regard to
B. with regards to
Answer: A
- She called _____ the meeting.
A. with regard to
B. with regards to
Answer: A
- The teacher spoke _____ classroom rules.
A. with regard to
B. with regards to
Answer: A
Exercise 2
Replace “about.”
- We talked about homework.
Possible answer:
We talked with regard to homework.
Better:
We talked regarding homework.
- I have a question about your report.
Possible answer:
I have a question with regard to your report.
Exercise 3
Find the mistake.
❌ In regards to your request…
Correct:
✅ In regard to your request…
Quick Summary Table
FeatureWith regard toWith regards toStandard English✅ Yes❌ Usually avoidedFormal writing✅ Yes❌ Not preferredBusiness emails✅ Yes⚠ Sometimes seenSchool assignments✅ Yes❌ Better avoidedEveryday conversation✅ YesSometimes heard
How This Improves Your Writing Skills
Learning correct expressions helps you:
- write more professionally
- avoid grammar mistakes
- improve sentence structure
- communicate clearly
- build confidence
- expand vocabulary
- understand formal English
- prepare for exams
- write better essays
- create stronger business communication
Small grammar improvements often create a big difference in the quality of writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “with regards to” grammatically wrong?
It is common in informal speech, but most grammar guides recommend with regard to in formal writing.
2. Can I use “regarding” instead?
Yes. It has the same meaning and is widely accepted in formal English.
3. Is the phrase suitable for academic writing?
Yes. It is commonly used in essays, reports, research papers, and professional communication.
4. What is the easiest replacement?
The easiest replacement is about.
Example:
- I have a question about the assignment.
5. Why do people confuse the two expressions?
People often mix it with the phrase give my regards, where regards means greetings. That is a different meaning from regard in the expression discussed here.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between the standard expression and its commonly heard variation helps you write with greater accuracy and confidence. For school assignments, professional emails, reports, and formal communication, with regard to is the safest and most widely accepted choice. While with regards to appears in everyday speech and informal writing, it is usually better to avoid it in situations where correct grammar matters.
As your writing grows, remember that grammar and creativity work together. Correct word choice builds a strong foundation, while figurative language, descriptive language, similes, metaphors, literary devices, and rich vocabulary make your ideas memorable. Practice using different expressions, vary your sentence structure, and choose words that match your audience. With regular practice, your communication will become clearer, more natural, and more effective in every type of writing.