Regard vs Regards: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Are you confused about whether to use “regard” or “regards” in your writing? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with understanding the difference between these two words. In this article, we’ll explore the meanings of “regard” and “regards” and provide you with a clear understanding of when to use each of them.

We should clarify which of the two is the proper word to use in different contexts. “Regard” is a noun that means consideration, respect, or attention. For example, “I have great regard for my boss.” On the other hand, “regards” is a plural noun that is often used as a closing in a letter or email. For example, “Best regards” or “Warm regards.”

It’s important to note that “regards” can also be used as a verb meaning to look at or observe something closely. However, this usage is less common than the noun form.

Now that we’ve established the difference between “regard” and “regards,” let’s dive deeper into the nuances of their meanings and when to use them in different contexts.

Define Regard

Regard is a noun that refers to the consideration or attention given to someone or something. It can also mean a feeling of respect or admiration towards someone or something. The term can be used in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, professional settings, and societal interactions.

For instance, in a personal relationship, showing regard towards one’s partner can involve listening attentively, being empathetic, and acknowledging their feelings and needs. In a professional setting, showing regard towards colleagues and clients can involve being courteous, responsive, and respectful of their opinions and perspectives. In a societal context, showing regard towards different cultures and beliefs can involve being open-minded, tolerant, and inclusive.

Define Regards

Regards, on the other hand, is a plural noun that is used as a polite closing in a letter or email. It is a shortened form of the phrase “best regards” or “kind regards” and is commonly used in formal or semi-formal communication.

For example, if you are sending an email to a potential employer, you may end the message with “Thank you for considering my application. Regards, [Your Name].” Similarly, if you are sending a letter to a business partner, you may close with “I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards, [Your Name].”

It is important to note that “regards” is not interchangeable with “regard” and should only be used in the context of a closing in written communication.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, the proper use of words can make all the difference. One of the most commonly confused words is “regard” and “regards.” Both words are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and uses. In this article, we will explore how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Regard” In A Sentence

The word “regard” is a verb that means to consider or think of someone or something in a particular way. It can also mean to have respect or admiration for someone. Here are some examples of how to use “regard” in a sentence:

• I regard her as one of the best writers in the industry.
• The company is regarded as a leader in innovation.
• He regards his employees as family.

As you can see from these examples, “regard” is used to express a particular way of thinking or feeling about someone or something. It is often followed by “as” or “as being.”

How To Use “Regards” In A Sentence

The word “regards” is a noun that means good wishes or greetings. It is often used at the end of a letter or email to express goodwill towards the recipient. Here are some examples of how to use “regards” in a sentence:

• Give my regards to your family.
• With warm regards,
• Best regards,

As you can see from these examples, “regards” is used to express good wishes or greetings towards someone. It is often used in a formal or professional setting, such as at the end of a letter or email.

By understanding the proper use of “regard” and “regards,” you can improve your writing and communication skills. Remember, “regard” is a verb used to express a particular way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, while “regards” is a noun used to express good wishes or greetings.

More Examples Of Regard & Regards Used In Sentences

Understanding the difference between regard and regards is important in using these words correctly in sentences. Here are some examples of how to use each word in a sentence:

Examples Of Using ‘Regard’ In A Sentence

• He has a high regard for his boss.
• The company is held in high regard by its customers.
• She was regarded as one of the best in her field.
• He regarded the situation with skepticism.
• She regarded him with suspicion.
• The painting is regarded as a masterpiece.
• He is regarded as a leader in his industry.
• They regard him as a valuable member of the team.
• The proposal was not regarded favorably by the committee.
• His opinion is highly regarded by his peers.

Examples Of Using ‘Regards’ In A Sentence

• Please give my regards to your family.
• With warm regards, I remain your friend.
• He sent his regards to everyone at the party.
• She regards him with great affection.
• My regards to the chef for a delicious meal.
• Please extend my regards to your colleagues.
• He regards her as a close friend.
• She sends her regards from Paris.
• With kind regards, I remain sincerely yours.
• Please accept my regards and best wishes for your success.

Using regard and regards correctly can have a significant impact on the clarity and professionalism of your writing. By understanding how to use these words in context, you can communicate your ideas more effectively and demonstrate your mastery of the English language.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “regard” and “regards,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Regards” Instead Of “Regard”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “regards” instead of “regard” when referring to a single instance of consideration or attention. For example, saying “in regards to your email” instead of “in regard to your email” is incorrect. The correct usage is “in regard to.”

Using “Regard” Instead Of “Regards”

Conversely, some people use “regard” instead of “regards” when referring to multiple instances of consideration or attention. For example, saying “give my regard to your family” instead of “give my regards to your family” is incorrect. The correct usage is “give my regards.”

Using “Regards” As A Closing In A Formal Letter

Another common mistake is using “regards” as a closing in a formal letter instead of “regard.” For example, saying “thank you for your time. Regards, John” is incorrect. The correct usage is “thank you for your time. Regards, John Smith.”

Using “Regards” As A Substitute For “Best Regards”

Finally, some people use “regards” as a substitute for “best regards,” which is incorrect. “Regards” is a shortened form of “with regards to,” and does not convey the same level of warmth and sincerity as “best regards.”

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to always double-check your usage of “regard” and “regards.” Here are some tips to help you:

• Think about the context in which you are using the words, and whether you are referring to a single or multiple instances of consideration or attention.
• When in doubt, use “regard” for singular instances and “regards” for multiple instances.
• If you are using “regards” as a closing in a formal letter, always include your full name for added professionalism.
• When signing off on a more casual email or message, consider using “best regards” instead of just “regards” to convey warmth and sincerity.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “regard” and “regards,” context plays a crucial role. The two words may seem interchangeable at first glance, but a closer examination reveals that they have distinct meanings and uses.

Choosing Between Regard And Regards

Typically, “regard” is used as a singular noun, while “regards” is used as a plural noun or a verb. However, this is not always the case, and the choice between the two words can change depending on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “regard” and “regards” might change:

• Formal Letter: In a formal letter, it is appropriate to use “regards” as a closing phrase. For example, “Best regards” or “Warm regards” are commonly used to close a letter in a polite and professional manner.
• Business Meeting: In a business meeting, the word “regard” might be used to refer to the consideration or attention given to a particular matter. For example, “We should take this matter into regard before making a decision.”
• Social Interaction: In a social interaction, the word “regard” might be used to express admiration or respect for someone. For example, “I have a great regard for your work.”
• Legal Document: In a legal document, the word “regard” might be used to refer to a particular section or clause. For example, “In regard to section 2.3 of the agreement.”

As you can see, the choice between “regard” and “regards” can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the intended meaning and usage before making a decision between the two words.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “regard” and “regards” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. These exceptions involve specific phrases or idioms where the standard rules might not apply.

Expressions Of Gratitude

One common exception is in expressions of gratitude or appreciation. In these cases, “regards” can be used as a shortened form of “best regards” or “warm regards” to convey a sense of warmth or friendliness. For example:

• Thank you for your help with this project. Regards, [Your Name]
• With warm regards and gratitude, [Your Name]

While “regard” could technically be used in these situations, it would likely come across as more formal or stiff, which might not be appropriate for expressing gratitude.

Business Correspondence

In some cases, the rules for using “regard” and “regards” can vary depending on the context of the communication. For example, in formal business correspondence, it is generally more appropriate to use “regards” as a sign-off, as it conveys a sense of professionalism and respect. However, in more casual or informal business communications, such as emails between colleagues, “regard” might be more appropriate.

It’s also worth noting that in some industries or professions, certain conventions might dictate which sign-off to use. For example, in the legal profession, it is common to use “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely” instead of “regard” or “regards” in formal letters.

Regional Differences

Finally, it’s worth noting that there can be regional differences in how “regard” and “regards” are used. For example, in some parts of the world, “regards” might be used more frequently as a sign-off in both formal and informal communication. In other regions, “regard” might be more common.

It’s always a good idea to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations in your particular context to ensure that you are using the appropriate sign-off for the situation.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of regard and regards is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Sentence	Answer
I have a high _________ for my boss.	regard
_________ to your family for me.	Give my regards
She is held in high _________ by her colleagues.	regard
Please __________ my regards to your mother.	give

Explanation: In this exercise, you will fill in the blank with either regard or regards. Pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine which one is appropriate. The answers are provided in the table above.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is correct?
   • a. I have a high regards for my boss.
   • b. I have a high regard for my boss.
   • c. I have a high regardings for my boss.
2. Which of the following is correct?
   • a. Give my regard to your family for me.
   • b. Give my regards to your family for me.
   • c. Give my regarding to your family for me.
3. Which of the following is correct?
   • a. She is held in high regards by her colleagues.
   • b. She is held in high regard by her colleagues.
   • c. She is held in high regarding by her colleagues.
4. Which of the following is correct?
   • a. Please give my regard to your mother.
   • b. Please give my regards to your mother.
   • c. Please give my regarding to your mother.

Explanation: In this exercise, you will choose the correct option from the multiple choices provided. Pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the option that makes the most sense. The correct answers are: b, b, b, and b.

Exercise 3: Writing Sentences

Write a sentence using regard and a sentence using regards. Then, switch the words and write two more sentences.

Example:

• I have a high regard for my teacher.
• Give my regards to your family for me.
• My teacher holds me in high regards.
• Please give my regard to your mother.

Explanation: In this exercise, you will practice using regard and regards in sentences. Write one sentence using regard and one sentence using regards. Then, switch the words and write two more sentences. This will help you become more comfortable using both words in different contexts.

Conclusion

After exploring the difference between “regard” and “regards,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and uses in the English language.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• “Regard” is a singular noun that means consideration, attention, or respect.
• “Regards” is a plural noun that means good wishes or greetings.
• Both “regard” and “regards” can be used as verbs, but they have different meanings.
• It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and convey your intended meaning clearly.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, it is always beneficial to continue learning and expanding your knowledge. By doing so, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective writer and speaker.

So, whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone who is passionate about language, keep exploring and learning!