The English word regard has multiple meanings as both noun and verb. A common error is to attach an s to the noun in certain expressions.
Incorrect: In congressional questioning, assessment of Clinton’s performance at State in regards to the Benghazi attack was split by party line.—US News & World Report.
Correct : In congressional questioning, assessment of Clinton’s performance at State in regard to the Benghazi attack was split by party line.
Incorrect: Texas Tech wants all or nothing in regards to A&M rivalry—NBC Sports.
Correct : Texas Tech wants all or nothing in regard to A&MÂ rivalry.
Incorrect: Yoga outfit said to stretch truth in regards to assets —New York Post.
Correct : Yoga outfit said to stretch truth in regard to assets.
Incorrect: IRS Provides Guidance With Regards to Same-Sex Married Couples
—Nova Southeastern University site.
Correct : IRS Provides Guidance With Regard to Same-Sex Married Couples.
Incorrect: If he was seen to be taking the party line and demonstrating strong leadership with regards to opposing the bill, this would do his chances no harm whatsoever.—UK History Learning site.
Correct : If he was seen to be taking the party line and demonstrating strong leadership with regard to opposing the bill, this would do his chances no harm whatsoever.
When does regard take an s?
1. When it is used to close a letter:
Best regards,
George
2. When it is preceded by as:
As regards the issue of complexity, this is quite evident: the brain is one of the most complex systems we know.
3. When it is used as a third person present tense singular verb:
Respect is very important in the way Scorsese works with actors and also the way he regards his audience.
Related posts:
In Regard to Your Letter
In Regards To
On a related matter, I’m currently copyediting a book in which the author uses (actually, overuses) “in respect to.” This may be OK in BrE, but to my AmE ear, this doesn’t sound right.
I’m changing it to “with respect to” and “with regard to.” Am I correct?
For example:
“A fundamental question about judicial involvement IN RESPECT TO both separation of powers and federalism ….”
“IN RESPECT TO ‘taxation, a preliminary question was whether the Court ….”
“…five Justices joined an opinion giving weight to foreign practices IN RESPECT TO the length of sentences for juveniles.”