with regard to

Meanings

1. 1prepositionfixed phraseformal

   Used to introduce the subject you are talking or writing about.

   Grammar: Followed by a noun or noun phrase: with regard to the budget.

   Patterns

   • with regard to something

   With regard to your application, we will reply next week.

   There are no changes with regard to payment.

   With regard to safety, the rules are clear.

2. 2prepositionfixed phraseformal

   Used when comparing or linking things, meaning in relation to a particular aspect.

   Grammar: Often follows a noun: differences with regard to size.

   Patterns

   • something with regard to something

   The two plans differ with regard to cost.

   She is very careful with regard to detail.

   Opinions vary with regard to the best approach.

Common combinations

with regard to the matter

With regard to the matter of fees, please see below.

with regard to safety

The company has strict policies with regard to safety.

with regard to your request

With regard to your request, I am afraid we cannot help.

in regard to

I am writing in regard to the invoice.

as regards

As regards the schedule, nothing has changed.

Synonyms and how they differ

regarding

Regarding is shorter and slightly less formal, so it suits emails.

concerning

Concerning is similar but is more often used to describe what a document or talk is about.

about

About is the everyday choice, whereas with regard to sounds official.

as for

As for changes the topic and often sounds casual, while with regard to is more formal.

Word family

regard noun

attention or consideration

regarding preposition

about

regardless adverb

without paying attention to something

disregard verb

to ignore

Commonly confused: with regard to or with regards to?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “with regard to”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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