"In regard to" vs. "In regards to": Which one is correct?

You sit down to write a work email. You want to respond to a request from a client, a vendor, or a colleague. What do you write?

In regard to your request,...

OR

In regards to your request,...

"Is it 'in regard to' or 'in regards to'?"

This is a common question for many email writers. Well, wonder no more. The correct phrase to focus on a particular topic is "in regard to." Because "regard" is a non-count noun similar to "attention"--meaning you can't say "1 regard, 2 regards" or "1 attention, 2 attentions"--"in regard to" is the only phrase that makes grammatical sense. Think of it as saying "on the subject of" or "with attention to." Note the following 3 email examples:

Dear Deborah,

Thank you for your quick response. In regard to your first question, it would be no problem to deliver the products by Friday.

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Hi Jim,

I haven't had time to look at your most recent request yet, but I'm working on it. In regard to the total cost of the furniture, you can tell your boss it will be around $2500.

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Hey Karim,

Happy to hear that you had a good weekend! In regard to your request, I'd be happy to help.

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Some other common synonyms for "in regard to" are:

with regard to

regarding

as regards (Note the 's' here, as "regards" is being used as a verb, not a noun.)

with respect to

on the subject of

on the topic of

concerning

Can you use "in regard to" in the middle of a sentence? Absolutely. Note the following examples:

I'm writing in regard to the estimate you sent me recently.

My boss and I spoke in regard to your proposal.

I'd like to speak with you in regard to the price list you sent me.

Of course, if you are familiar with the person whom you are writing to, you might skip these words and phrases altogether and just use more informal language, namely, the word "about." The following are far more common sentences in email writing today, especially if you are familiar with the other person.

I'm writing about the estimate you sent me recently.

My boss and I spoke about your proposal.

I'd like to speak with you about the price list you sent me.

There you have it! The answer to one of emailers' most common questions.

What about "in regards to"?

"In regards to" is a misuse of "in regard to." Only time will tell if repeated usage will make it acceptable in professional communications. "Regards" is the noun you want to use at the end of an email when you want to offer your best wishes to the recipient. If you're feeling very friendly, you might even offer Warm Regards or Warmest Regards to someone. I will leave that decision up to you, though.

You can also send, extend, or give your regards to someone. For example: "Give my regards to professor Smithers," or "Send my regards to the family." If you would like to extend your well-wishes to someone, "regards" is the word you are looking for.

So, which one should I use?

1. Use "in regard to" (or "regarding") to introduce the topic of discussion.

2. Use "Regards" as a neutral sign-off at the end of an email.

3. DO NOT use "in regards to."

Until next time, I'd like to extend my regards and wish you success in your writing!