When you’re trying to choose the right words in English, it can sometimes feel like trying to pick the right spice for a dish. You know each one can make a big difference, but it’s hard to decide which is best. This is especially true when dealing with phrases that seem very similar, such as “with regards to” and “with regard to”. Aren’t they just different ways of saying the same thing? Well, let’s break it down.
Imagine you’re at a family gathering. Everyone brings a dish to share. Now, if you want to talk about Aunt Mary’s famous pie, you might say, “With regard to Aunt Mary’s pie, I must say it’s delicious!” Here, “with regard to” is used to focus on a particular topic or subject. It’s like pointing your finger at just one dish at the buffet.
On the other hand, “with regards to” is a common variant you might hear. While it sounds pretty similar and you might see it used in daily conversations, it’s not traditionally accepted in formal writing. Think of it like someone accidentally adding too much salt to a dish. It’s a small mistake, but it changes the flavour.
The correct phrase is “with regard to”. It means concerning or relating to something. The phrase “with regards to” is often used in error and is considered incorrect in formal writing. For example, you should say “He gave a presentation with regard to the new marketing strategy,” not “with regards to.”
Using the correct form shows attention to detail and helps maintain professionalism in your writing. It’s similar to knowing the difference between “their” and “there” – small but crucial for clear communication.
Why “With Regard To” is Preferable
Using “with regard to” is considered more grammatically correct and is preferred in professional or formal writing. You could look at it this way: just as using the right key helps you open a lock smoothly, using “with regard to” helps you communicate your thoughts more clearly and correctly.
Examples in Sentences
Let’s see “with regard to” in action:
1. With regard to your question, I will need to consult my notes before giving a final answer.
2. The manager made a decision with regard to the company’s holiday schedule.
3. With regard to the recent changes, everyone will receive a detailed email by end of the day.
Why “With Regards To” is Less Favored
Think of “with regards to” as having a spare button on your shirt that doesn’t match – it’s likely no one will notice, but it’s not quite right. It’s often used in casual talks where strict correctness isn’t as crucial. However, in writing, especially in more formal contexts, sticking to standard usage is best.
Understanding Through Example
Do you remember learning about how to dress for a job interview? It’s better to be slightly overdressed than too casual because you want to make the best impression. Similarly, using “with regard to” in your writing makes a better impression than “with regards to”.
Here are some casual instances where you might find “with regards to” used:
1. Just sending some thoughts with regards to our last conversation.
2. She mentioned something with regards to needing a new assistant.
However, even in these statements, replacing “with regards to” with “with regard to” would enhance the correctness of each sentence.
So, why do people say “with regards to”? Well, sometimes, people just pick up phrases from others and use them without thinking too hard about whether they’re absolutely correct. It’s like singing along to a song without really knowing the lyrics. You get the tune right, but some words might be off!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, choosing “with regard to” is like picking the classic route. It’s reliable and you know it will work well in any situation. “With regards to”, while commonly heard, might not be the best choice if you want to sound professional.
Remember this simple guideline, and you’ll find that handling such English language choices is as easy as choosing the right shoes for your outfit – sometimes it’s all about sticking with what works best universally. Keep practicing, keep noticing how these phrases are used in things you read, and you’ll soon feel as confident in your language choices as a chef does in their kitchen.
