Confused about In Regard vs In Regards and which one you should actually use? You’re not alone, because many people often mix up these two phrases in emails and formal writing. I’ve been in that situation too typing a message and suddenly wondering if the phrase sounds correct or not.
Even though the difference looks small, using the right expression can make your writing clearer and more professional. Understanding when to use “in regard” and when “in regards” appears can help you avoid common grammar mistakes.
These phrases are widely used in business emails, letters, and everyday communication. Once you learn the correct usage, your writing will instantly feel more polished and confident.
✅ Quick Answer (Summary)
- Correct: in regard to ✔️
- Incorrect (formal English): in regards to ❌
👉 Use “in regard to” when you mean “about” or “concerning.”
🧠 What Does “In Regard To” Mean?
📌 Definition:
“In regard to” means “about,” “concerning,” or “regarding.”
✍️ Examples of “In Regard To”:
- I am writing in regard to your recent email.
- She had a question in regard to the project.
- We need clarification in regard to the policy.
- He spoke in regard to the new changes.
💡 When to Use It:
Use “in regard to” when:
- Writing formal emails 📧
- Writing academic or professional content 🎓
- You want to sound clear and correct ✔️
🧠 What Does “In Regards To” Mean?
📌 Definition:
Technically, “in regards to” is considered incorrect or non-standard in formal English.
✍️ Examples (Incorrect Usage):
- ❌ I am writing in regards to your complaint.
- ❌ Please reply in regards to this issue.
👉 These should be:
- ✔️ I am writing in regard to your complaint.
- ✔️ Please reply in regard to this issue.
💡 Important Note:
- “Regards” is usually used in phrases like:
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Best regards
👉 But not in “in regards to”
🔍 In Regard vs In Regards: Key Differences
| Feature | In Regard To ✔️ | In Regards To ❌ |
| Correctness | Correct | Incorrect (formal use) |
| Meaning | About / concerning | Same meaning (but wrong) |
| Usage | Formal & professional | Informal / avoid |
| Example | In regard to your query | In regards to your query |
🧾 Side-by-Side Examples
| Sentence | Correct Form |
| I’m writing in regards to your email. | ❌ Incorrect |
| I’m writing in regard to your email. | ✔️ Correct |
| She spoke in regards to the issue. | ❌ Incorrect |
| She spoke in regard to the issue. | ✔️ Correct |
⚠️ Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
1: Adding “s” to Regard
- ❌ In regards to your message
- ✔️ In regard to your message
2: Mixing with Email Closings
- ✔️ Best regards (correct)
- ❌ In regards to (incorrect usage)
3: Overusing Formal Phrases
Sometimes simpler is better:
- ✔️ About your email
- ✔️ Regarding your request
🧠 Memory Trick (Easy Hack!) 🪄
👉 Think of it this way:
- “Regard” = correct (no “s”) ✔️
- If you add “s”, it becomes wrong in this phrase ❌
💡 Or simply remember:
👉 “In regard to” = “About”
💬 Real-Life Examples
📧 Emails:
- I am contacting you in regard to your application.
📱 Social Media:
- Posting this in regard to yesterday’s event.
📰 News:
- The minister made a statement in regard to inflation.
🎓 Academic Writing:
- This paper discusses issues in regard to climate change.
🗣️ Daily Use:
- I have a question in regard to your service.
🌍 Usage Notes & Trends
📊 Modern Usage:
- “In regard to” is widely accepted
- “In regards to” is still used informally but not recommended
🇬🇧 British vs 🇺🇸 American English:
- Both prefer “in regard to” ✔️
- No difference in spelling or usage
🧩 Practice Questions
Fill in the blanks:
- I am writing ______ your complaint.
- She spoke ______ the new policy.
- We need details ______ the issue.
✅ Answers:
- in regard to
- in regard to
- in regard to
❓ FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. Is “in regards to” correct?
❌ No, it is considered incorrect in formal English.
2. What is the correct phrase?
✔️ The correct phrase is “in regard to.”
3. Can I use “in regards to” in informal writing?
✔️ Sometimes, but it’s better to avoid it for clarity and correctness.
4. What can I use instead of “in regard to”?
👉 You can use:
- about
- regarding
- concerning
5. Why do people use “in regards to”?
Because it sounds natural, but it’s actually a common grammar mistake.
6. Is “regards” ever correct?
✔️ Yes, in phrases like:
- Best regards
- Kind regards
7. Is this used in business emails?
✔️ Yes, but always use “in regard to” for professional writing.
🏁 Conclusion
The difference between in regard vs in regards is simple but important. “In regard to” is the correct and professional choice, while “in regards to” should be avoided, especially in formal writing.
To write clearly and confidently, remember:
👉 No “s” = Correct ✔️
Keep practicing, and your English writing will sound more polished and professional! 🚀
