Many professionals and students confuse regard vs regards and use them interchangeably in formal emails and reports. Understanding the subtle difference helps you communicate clearly and project professionalism.
In everyday business English, the distinction between regard and regards affects tone, register, and correctness. This guide breaks down the grammar, contexts, and common pitfalls so you can choose the right form every time.
| Feature | Regard | Regards | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word Type | Noun and Verb | Noun (plural), rarely verb | Use “regards” only as a noun in closing greetings |
| Typical Context | Formal analysis, respect, consideration | Polite closing in letters and emails | “Regards” in closings is conventional, not analytical |
| Example in a sentence | Please give this matter your urgent regard. | Best regards, Maria Lopez | Closings use the plural; analytical sentences use “regard” |
| Formality Level | Neutral to formal when used as a noun | Polite and formal in business closings | Both are acceptable, but in different positions |
| Common Error | Using “regards” where “regard” is the noun | Using “regard” in a closing without a name | Match the part of speech to your sentence role |
Definition and grammatical role of regard
As a noun, regard means attention, consideration, or respect. As a verb, it means to consider or look at something in a specific way. Because it functions as a singular countable noun, it often appears with possessives or adjectives in professional contexts.
Definition and function of regards
Regards is the plural of regard and is almost exclusively used in written closings to convey polite respect. It signals warmth and courtesy without making a grammatical claim about attention or analysis in the main message body.
Common contexts and appropriate usage of regard
Use regard when you refer to thoughtful consideration or admiration in the body of a message. For example, phrases like “in regard to,” “with regard to,” and “give something your regard” are correct and common in professional English.
Common contexts and appropriate usage of regards
Reserve regards for the salutation or valediction of letters and emails. Pair it with modifiers such as “best,” “kind,” or “warm” when addressing clients, colleagues, or external partners in written communication.
Key takeaways for using regard and regards correctly
- Use “regard” as a singular noun for attention or consideration in analytical sentences.
- Use “regards” exclusively in letter and email closings to signal politeness.
- Prefer “in regard to” over “in regards to” in formal and professional writing.
- Match the warmth of your closing to the relationship with the recipient.
FAQ
Reader questions
Should I write “in regards to” or “in regard to” in formal emails?
Use “in regard to” when you mean “concerning” or “about.” “In regards to” is widely considered nonstandard in careful writing, so choosing “in regard to” improves clarity and professionalism.
Can I end a short internal message with “Regards,” instead of “Best”?
Yes, “Regards,” is acceptable in internal emails when you want a slightly warmer tone than “Regards,” alone, but less casual than “Best.” Match the level to your relationship with the recipient.
Is it correct to say “Thank you for your regards” in a professional reply?
It is understandable but slightly awkward. Prefer “Thank you for your attention” or “Thank you for your consideration” in formal contexts, and reserve “regards” as a closing greeting rather than a response to thanks.
How do I punctuate “Regards,” when it appears at the end of an email?
Place a comma after “Regards” when it is part of the closing line. Capitalize the first letter only if it starts a sentence, and keep the comma after the word to separate it from the signature block that follows.