Confused Words: Regarding, In Regard To, As Regards & Regards

Hello, eager learners! Our lesson for today focuses on differentiating between “Regarding”, “In Regard To”, “As Regards”, and “Regards”. These phrases might seem similar, but they are used in subtly different contexts. Let’s delve into each one!

Regarding

“Regarding” (IPA: /rɪˈɡɑːrdɪŋ/) is a preposition often used to refer to something or someone being discussed.

Here are 5 examples:

1. We received your email regarding the project. (We received your email about the project)
2. The meeting is regarding the new policy. (The meeting is about the new policy)
3. They called me regarding the job offer. (They called me about the job offer)
4. I have some questions regarding your proposal. (I have some questions about your proposal)
5. The report contains information regarding the company’s financial status. (The report contains information about the company’s financial condition)

In Regard To

“In Regard To” (IPA: /ɪn rɪˈɡɑːrd tuː/) is a phrase used to specify the subject of something.

Here are 5 examples:

1. I would like to speak in regard to your recent complaint. (I would like to discuss your recent complaint)
2. There were issues raised in regard to the project’s budget. (Issues were raised about the project’s budget)
3. We made a decision in regard to the application. (We made a decision about the application)
4. I have some doubts in regard to the plan. (I have some doubts about the plan)
5. The meeting will be held in regard to the upcoming event. (The meeting will be held about the upcoming event)

As Regards

“As Regards” (IPA: /æz rɪˈɡɑːrdz/) functions similarly to “regarding” and “in regard to”, signifying ‘concerning’ or ‘with respect to’.

Here are 5 examples:

1. As regards the new policy, we have some concerns. (Concerning the new policy, we have some issues)
2. She made a few suggestions as regards the project. (She made a few suggestions about the project)
3. As regards the complaint, we will investigate it. (Concerning the complaint, we will investigate it)
4. There were changes made as regards the proposal. (There were changes made to the proposal)
5. We need to discuss the budget as regards the event. (We need to discuss the budget related to the event)

Regards

“Regards” (IPA: /rɪˈɡɑːrdz/) is generally used as a polite closing in a letter or email.

Here are 5 examples:

1. Kind regards, John. (A polite sign-off from John)
2. Warm regards, Sarah. (A friendly farewell from Sarah)
3. With best regards, Michael. (A best-wishes ending from Michael)
4. Please give my regards to your family. (Please convey my warm wishes to your family)
5. Yours regards, Emma. (A polite close from Emma)

Conclusion

To wrap up, “Regarding”, “In Regard To”, and “As Regards” all roughly mean ‘about’ or ‘concerning’, and they specify the subject being discussed. In contrast, “Regards” is primarily used as a polite closing in a communication.