Are you unsure whether to use the words “concerning” or “regarding” in your writing? This article will provide you with a clear understanding of when to use each word and their respective meanings.
Concerning and regarding are both prepositions that are used to introduce a topic or subject. However, there are slight differences between the two.
Concerning is often used to indicate a connection or relationship between two things. It can also be used to express interest or involvement in a particular matter. For example, “I have some concerns concerning the safety of this product.”
Regarding, on the other hand, is used to indicate a reference or attention to something. It can also be used to introduce a specific subject or topic. For example, “Regarding your question about the schedule, we will be meeting on Monday.”
Understanding when to use each word can help you convey your message more clearly and effectively. In the following sections, we will explore the proper usage of these words and provide examples to help you better understand their meanings.
Define Concerning
Concerning is a preposition that indicates a connection or relation to a particular subject. It is used to introduce a topic or matter that is relevant or important to the discussion. The word concerning is often used to express worry or anxiety about a particular issue or situation. It can also be used to indicate the interest or involvement of someone in a particular matter.
Define Regarding
Regarding is a preposition that is used to indicate a reference or connection to a particular subject. It is used to introduce a topic or matter that is relevant or important to the discussion. The word regarding is often used to express a formal or official statement about a particular issue or situation. It can also be used to indicate the opinion or viewpoint of someone in a particular matter.
Below is a table that highlights the key differences between concerning and regarding:
| Concerning | Regarding |
|---|---|
| Indicates a connection or relation to a particular subject | Indicates a reference or connection to a particular subject |
| Often used to express worry or anxiety about a particular issue or situation | Often used to express a formal or official statement about a particular issue or situation |
| Can be used to indicate the interest or involvement of someone in a particular matter | Can be used to indicate the opinion or viewpoint of someone in a particular matter |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Proper usage of words is vital in effective communication. In this section, we will discuss how to use two commonly confused words, concerning and regarding, in a sentence.
How To Use ‘Concerning’ In A Sentence
The word ‘concerning’ is a preposition that means ‘about’ or ‘relating to’. It is often used to introduce a topic or subject matter. Here are some examples:
- She wrote a letter concerning the new project proposal.
- The memo was concerning the upcoming company retreat.
- He had some questions concerning the safety of the new equipment.
It is important to note that ‘concerning’ is a more formal word and is commonly used in legal or academic writing.
How To Use ‘Regarding’ In A Sentence
The word ‘regarding’ is also a preposition that means ‘concerning’ or ‘about’. It is often used to introduce a specific subject matter or topic. Here are some examples:
- The email was regarding the new product launch.
- The memo was regarding the changes in the company policy.
- She had some questions regarding the upcoming meeting.
‘Regarding’ is a less formal word and is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.
It is important to note that ‘regarding’ can also be used as a verb, meaning ‘to consider or think about something in a particular way’. Here is an example:
- Regarding the issue at hand, I believe we should take a different approach.
Overall, both ‘concerning’ and ‘regarding’ can be used interchangeably in most cases. However, it is important to consider the context and formality of the writing or conversation when deciding which word to use.
More Examples Of Concerning & Regarding Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use “concerning” and “regarding” in a sentence. These examples will help you understand how to use these words correctly in your writing.
Examples Of Using Concerning In A Sentence
- Concerning your request for time off, we will need to discuss it further with management.
- The report contains important information concerning the safety of our products.
- She had some concerns concerning the new project proposal.
- He wrote a letter concerning the recent changes in company policy.
- There was a lot of discussion concerning the new regulations.
- Concerning the weather, it looks like it’s going to rain later.
- We received a complaint concerning the quality of the product.
- There are many questions concerning the future of the company.
- She spoke to the teacher concerning her child’s progress in school.
- There was a lot of debate concerning the best way to approach the problem.
Examples Of Using Regarding In A Sentence
- Regarding your application, we will contact you within the next few days.
- The email contained important information regarding the upcoming meeting.
- He had some questions regarding the new software program.
- She wrote a report regarding the effectiveness of the new marketing campaign.
- There was a lot of discussion regarding the budget for the project.
- Regarding the schedule, we will need to make some changes.
- We received a lot of feedback regarding the new product design.
- There are many rumors regarding the company’s financial situation.
- She spoke to the manager regarding her performance evaluation.
- There was a lot of confusion regarding the new policy.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using concerning and regarding, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used in specific contexts. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using Concerning When You Mean Regarding
One of the most common mistakes people make is using concerning when they actually mean regarding. Concerning means “relating to” or “about,” while regarding means “concerning” or “with respect to.” For example:
- Incorrect: I have some concerns concerning your proposal.
- Correct: I have some concerns regarding your proposal.
Using concerning in the above example would be incorrect because it implies that the concerns are related to the proposal, rather than being about the proposal.
Using Regarding When You Mean Concerning
Another mistake people make is using regarding when they actually mean concerning. This mistake is less common than the previous one, but it can still lead to confusion. For example:
- Incorrect: The report is regarding the safety of the building.
- Correct: The report is concerning the safety of the building.
In this example, using regarding would be incorrect because it implies that the report is concerned with the safety of the building, rather than being about the safety of the building.
Using The Wrong Preposition
Another mistake people make is using the wrong preposition after concerning or regarding. Concerning is followed by the preposition “with,” while regarding is followed by the preposition “to.” For example:
- Incorrect: I have some concerns regarding with your behavior.
- Correct: I have some concerns concerning your behavior.
In this example, using regarding with would be incorrect because it is not the correct preposition to use after regarding.
Offering Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes In The Future
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the meanings of concerning and regarding and to use them in the appropriate contexts. Here are some tips:
- Read and understand the definitions of concerning and regarding.
- Pay attention to how these words are used in context in the things you read and hear.
- Practice using these words in your own writing and speaking.
- Proofread your writing to make sure you are using the correct word and preposition.
Context Matters
When it comes to using the words “concerning” and “regarding,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. While the two words are often used interchangeably, there are certain situations where one may be more appropriate than the other.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “concerning” and “regarding” might change:
| Context | Example | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Writing | The report concerning the company’s financial performance was presented to the board. | Concerning |
| Informal Writing | We received an email regarding the upcoming meeting. | Regarding |
| Legal Documents | The contract regarding the sale of the property was signed by both parties. | Regarding |
| Academic Writing | The study concerning the effects of climate change on marine life was published in a scientific journal. | Concerning |
As you can see from these examples, the appropriate word choice depends on the context in which the words are being used. In formal writing, “concerning” may be more appropriate, while in informal writing, “regarding” may be a better fit. In legal documents, “regarding” is often used to refer to specific clauses or sections of a contract, while in academic writing, “concerning” is often used to refer to the subject matter of a study or research paper.
It’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words to ensure that you are conveying your message clearly and effectively. By paying attention to the nuances of language, you can improve the clarity and impact of your writing.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using concerning and regarding are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few scenarios where the standard rules might not apply:
1. Legal Language
In legal language, concerning and regarding are often used interchangeably. This is because the two words are considered synonymous in many legal contexts. For example, a legal document might use the phrase “concerning or regarding the matter at hand” to make it clear that both terms are applicable.
Example: The court’s decision regarding/concerning the defendant’s motion for summary judgment was based on the evidence presented.
2. Informal Language
In informal language, people often use concerning and regarding interchangeably without giving much thought to the distinction between the two. This is especially true in spoken language, where people tend to use whatever word comes to mind first.
Example: The email I received from my boss was regarding/concerning the upcoming meeting.
3. Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice between concerning and regarding often comes down to personal preference. Some people may feel that one word sounds more formal or professional than the other, while others may simply prefer the sound of one word over the other.
Example: The company’s policy concerning/regarding employee dress code is clearly outlined in the employee handbook.
While it’s important to follow the standard rules for using concerning and regarding in most cases, it’s also important to be aware of these exceptions. By understanding when and why these exceptions might apply, you can use these words with more confidence and precision in your writing.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between “concerning” and “regarding,” it’s time to put that knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (concerning or regarding) to fill in the blank in each of the following sentences:
- The email __________ the new project was sent to all team members.
- There is a lot of confusion __________ the new policy.
- We need to have a meeting __________ the budget for next year.
- The article __________ the benefits of exercise was very informative.
- __________ the safety of our employees is our top priority.
Answer Key:
- regarding
- concerning
- regarding
- concerning
- Ensuring
Exercise 2: Writing Sentences
Write a sentence using “concerning” and a sentence using “regarding” to demonstrate your understanding of how to use these words correctly.
Example:
- Concerning: The company sent out an email concerning the upcoming changes to the vacation policy.
- Regarding: The manager spoke to the team regarding the new project timeline.
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word (concerning or regarding) to complete each of the following sentences:
- The report __________ the sales figures will be presented at the meeting.
- __________ the weather, we should expect rain this weekend.
- __________ the recent merger, there have been some changes to the company structure.
- We received an email __________ the new software update.
Answer Key:
- regarding
- Regarding
- Concerning
- regarding
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “concerning” and “regarding” in your writing and communication.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “concerning” and “regarding,” it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably but have distinct nuances in meaning.
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- “Concerning” is more commonly used to express worry or anxiety, while “regarding” is used to indicate a subject or topic being discussed.
- Both words can be used as prepositions or participles, but “concerning” is more commonly used as a participle.
- It is important to consider the context in which these words are being used to determine the most appropriate choice.
As with any language use, it is important to continue learning and expanding our understanding of grammar and vocabulary. By doing so, we can communicate more effectively and precisely in both written and spoken forms.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.