In the English language, there are many phrases and expressions that are often used interchangeably, even though they may have slightly different meanings. One such example is the use of “With Regard to” vs “With Regards to.” While both phrases may seem similar and are often used in similar contexts, there are subtle differences between them that can have a significant impact on the overall meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the difference between “With Regard to” and “With Regards to,” their origins, and provide plenty of examples to illustrate their usage in various contexts.
With Regard to vs With Regards to: Meaning
Firstly, let us understand the meaning of each phrase individually. “With Regard to” means to consider something. It is often used to show respect or consideration for someone or something. On the other hand, “With Regards to” is an expression used to introduce a topic or subject that is being discussed. It is synonymous with “In terms of” or “Regarding.” The main difference between the two phrases lies in their usage and the context in which they are used. We have explained the difference in these sections below.
Difference Between With Regard to vs With Regards to
One of the significant differences between the two phrases is the formality of their usage. “With Regard to” is considered to be a more formal expression compared to “With Regards to.” It is often used in official or professional settings, such as business meetings, legal documents, or academic writing. For instance, in a formal email, you may write, “With regard to your inquiry, we would like to inform you that the deadline for submission has been extended.” The use of “With regards to” in this context would sound too informal and may not be appropriate.
However, “With Regards to” is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing, such as letters to friends or family, blog posts, or social media updates. For example, you might write, “With regards to our trip next month, we have decided to visit Spain instead of Italy.” The use of “With regard to” in this context would seem too stiff and formal.
Another difference between the two phrases is their grammatical structure. “With Regard to” is often followed by a noun, whereas “With Regards to” is followed by a verb. For example, “With regard to the new project, we have decided to assign John as the team leader.” In contrast, “With regards to the new project, we have decided to start working on it next week.”
With Regard to vs With Regards to: Correct Usage
Let us now consider some examples to understand the difference between the two phrases in different contexts.
1. In Academic Writing:
In academic writing, “With Regard to” is used to show consideration or respect for a particular topic or point of view. For instance, “With regard to the current political situation, it is crucial to analyze the impact of economic policies on the country’s growth.” In this context, the phrase is used to show that the topic is being given due consideration and is not being ignored.
On the other hand, “With Regards to” is used to introduce a topic or subject that is being discussed. For example, “With regards to the research methodology, we have used both qualitative and quantitative techniques to gather data.” In this case, the phrase is used to introduce the topic of research methodology and provide a brief overview of the approach used.
2. In Business Writing:
In business writing, the use of “With Regard to” and “With Regards to” depends on the formality of the communication. For instance, in a formal business letter, you might write, “With regard to our meeting on Monday, I would like to confirm the time and venue.” On the other hand, in a less formal email, you might write, “With regards to our meeting on Monday, please let me know if the time and venue are suitable for you.”
3. In Legal Writing:
In legal writing, the use of “With Regard to” is preferred as it is considered more formal and respectful. For example, “With regard to the evidence presented, the court has ruled in favor of the defendant.” However, in less formal legal documents, such as contracts or agreements, “With Regards to” may be used. For instance, “With regards to the terms and conditions of the contract, we request that you carefully review the clauses before signing.”
4. In Personal Correspondence:
In personal correspondence, the use of “With Regard to” and “With Regards to” depends on the level of formality between the individuals. For instance, in a letter to a close friend, you may write, “With regards to your recent trip, I am excited to hear all about it.” In contrast, in a letter to someone you are not very familiar with, you might write, “With regard to your invitation, I would be delighted to attend the event.”
It is essential to note that while “With regard to” and “With regards to” may have slight differences in usage and formality, they are often used interchangeably in casual conversations. However, in formal writing, it is crucial to use the correct phrase to maintain the desired level of formality and respect.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while “With Regard to” and “With Regards to” may seem similar, they have distinct differences in meaning, formality, and usage. “With regard to” is more formal, followed by a noun, and is used to show consideration or respect for a particular topic or point of view. “With regards to” is less formal, followed by a verb, and is used to introduce a topic or subject that is being discussed. Knowing the difference between the two phrases can help in using them correctly in different contexts, adding clarity and precision to our communication.
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