In regard to or In regards to: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-12 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: When writing formal text, use the phrase in regard to because it is the standard English construction. The variation in regards to is frequently seen but remains a grammatical error. You should reserve regards for the complimentary closing at the end of a letter or email. Understanding this distinction helps ensure your communication remains clear and professional without unnecessary confusion.

The Short Answer

In regard to is the standard phrase that you should use in your writing, while in regards to is considered a nonstandard mistake. Writers often confuse these two forms because they sound identical and the second word looks like the plural noun used in letters. This confusion stems from the fact that regards is a very common word found in sign-offs, which leads people to incorrectly apply its plural form to this prepositional phrase.

The word regard acts as a noun here that pairs with the preposition to create a specific meaning. Adding an s changes the grammar because the phrase does not require a plural noun to function correctly in this context. Remembering that the singular form is required will help you avoid this common error in your future documents.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
In regard to	Standard	Introducing a topic or subject in formal writing
In regards to	Nonstandard	Never use this form in formal contexts
As regards	Correct	Used to mean concerning or about a specific matter
Regards	Noun	Used as a complimentary closing in letters

Correct Example Sentences

Please send your response in regard to the invoice by Friday.
We are waiting for your reply in regard to the contract details.
The manager sent a note in regard to the upcoming meeting.
She called the office in regard to the scheduling conflict.
Please check the document in regard to the safety regulations.
He spoke with the client in regard to the new proposal.
The email was sent in regard to the delivery delay.
They held a discussion in regard to the budget allocation.
The notice was issued in regard to the maintenance work.
I am writing to you in regard to the missing package.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

I am sending this email in regards to your request.: I am sending this email in regard to your request.
Please call us in regards to the reservation.: Please call us in regard to the reservation.
The note was left in regards to the meeting time.: The note was left in regard to the meeting time.
She wrote a letter in regards to the policy change.: She wrote a letter in regard to the policy change.
We discussed the issue in regards to the budget.: We discussed the issue in regard to the budget.
He replied in regards to the inquiry you sent.: He replied in regard to the inquiry you sent.

A Quick Test You Can Use

To check if your sentence is correct, replace the phrase with the word concerning and see if the meaning stays the same. If the sentence flows naturally with concerning, then your original phrasing should use the singular word regard without an s. If adding an s makes the sentence sound awkward or changes the grammar, then you have made the common mistake of using the wrong form for this specific phrase.

Related Word Pairs

Effect vs Affect: Use effect for a result and affect for an action or influence.
Your vs Youre: Use your for possession and youre only when followed by a word.
Its vs It is: Use it is for the verb phrase and its for the possessive form.
Complement vs Complete: Use complete to finish something and complement to enhance it.
Then vs Than: Use then to indicate time and than to make comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is in regards to correct in any situation?

No, in regards to is never considered correct in standard English. It is a common mistake caused by confusing the word with the complimentary closing found in letters. Always use in regard to when you are introducing a topic or subject in your writing.

What is the correct alternative phrase?

The correct alternative phrase is in regard to, which is the standard form. You may also use as regards if you want to maintain a formal tone while keeping the meaning of concerning a specific matter or topic at hand.

Why do people use in regards to?

People use in regards to because they often see regards at the end of letters and assume the plural form is correct everywhere. This misunderstanding leads them to add an s to the word when it is not needed in this specific prepositional phrase.

Can I use in regards to in casual text?

It is best to avoid using in regards to even in casual text because it remains a grammatical error. Sticking to the singular form in regard to ensures your writing looks professional and avoids confusion with readers who know the proper rules.