When it comes to using the right words in the English language, there are often many options to choose from. Two words that can cause confusion are “regarding” and “according.” So, which one should you use? Well, the answer is that it depends on the context.
Regarding is typically used when referring to a specific subject or topic. It means “with respect to” or “concerning.” According, on the other hand, is used to indicate agreement or conformity with something. It means “as stated by” or “in accordance with.”
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples of when to use each one. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use “regarding” vs. “according.”
Define Regarding
Regarding is a preposition that means with respect to, concerning, or about. It is used to introduce a topic or subject matter that is being discussed or considered. This word is often used in formal or professional settings, such as legal documents, business contracts, or academic papers. For example:
- Regarding your recent inquiry, we are pleased to inform you that the product is now available.
- The report provides detailed information regarding the company’s financial performance.
- The committee will make a decision regarding the proposed changes to the bylaws.
Overall, the word “regarding” is a versatile term that can be used to indicate a broad range of topics or subjects.
Define According
According is a preposition that means in agreement or conformity with something. It is used to indicate that something is based on or in accordance with a particular source, authority, or standard. This word is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as academic writing, scientific research, or legal proceedings. For example:
- According to the latest research, the new treatment has shown promising results.
- The contract was drafted according to the guidelines provided by the legal department.
- According to company policy, all employees are required to attend the annual training seminar.
Overall, the word “according” is a precise term that is used to indicate a specific source or standard that is being followed or adhered to.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When writing, it is essential to use the appropriate words to convey your message effectively. Misusing words can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. In this section, we will discuss how to correctly use the words “regarding” and “according” in a sentence.
How To Use “Regarding” In A Sentence
“Regarding” is a preposition that means “concerning” or “about.” It is often used to introduce a topic or to provide additional information about a subject. Here are some examples of how to use “regarding” in a sentence:
- Regarding your question about the project, I will provide an update during the meeting.
- The email I received yesterday was regarding the upcoming conference.
- I have some concerns regarding the new policy.
Note that “regarding” is often followed by a noun or a gerund (a verb that acts as a noun, ending in “-ing”).
How To Use “According” In A Sentence
“According” is a preposition that means “in agreement with” or “as stated by.” It is often used to indicate a source of information or to provide a reference. Here are some examples of how to use “according” in a sentence:
- According to the report, the company’s profits have increased by 20%.
- The speaker’s presentation was well-received, according to the feedback forms.
- He acted according to his principles.
Note that “according” is often followed by the word “to” and a noun or a pronoun.
By using “regarding” and “according” correctly in your writing, you can ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand.
More Examples Of Regarding & According Used In Sentences
In order to further understand the proper use of “regarding” and “according,” it’s helpful to see them in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Regarding” In A Sentence:
- Regarding your question, I think the answer is yes.
- We received an email regarding the upcoming conference.
- The company issued a statement regarding the recent controversy.
- Regarding your application, we have decided to move forward with the interview process.
- Do you have any information regarding the new product launch?
- Regarding your request, we will need more time to review the documents.
- He made a comment regarding the importance of teamwork.
- The email was sent regarding the change in schedule.
- Regarding the budget, we will need to make some adjustments.
- She had some concerns regarding the safety of the equipment.
Examples Of Using “According” In A Sentence:
- According to the weather report, it’s supposed to rain tomorrow.
- He acted according to the instructions he was given.
- The report was written according to the guidelines set forth by the company.
- According to the latest data, sales have increased by 10%.
- She was paid according to the number of hours she worked.
- According to the contract, the project must be completed by the end of the month.
- The team worked according to a strict timeline.
- According to the survey, most people prefer to shop online.
- He was promoted according to his performance on the job.
- According to the policy, all employees must attend training sessions.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “regarding” and “according,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using “Regarding” When You Mean “According To”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “regarding” when they actually mean “according to.” For example, saying “Regarding the report, it states that…” is incorrect. The correct usage would be “According to the report, it states that…”
2. Using “According To” When You Mean “Regarding”
Conversely, another common mistake is using “according to” when you actually mean “regarding.” For example, saying “According to the meeting, we will discuss…” is incorrect. The correct usage would be “Regarding the meeting, we will discuss…”
3. Using Both Words In The Same Sentence
Another mistake is using both “regarding” and “according to” in the same sentence. This can make the sentence confusing and difficult to understand. It’s best to choose one word or the other and stick with it throughout the sentence.
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Pay attention to the context in which the words are being used
- Think about the meaning of the sentence and which word would be more appropriate
- Use a thesaurus to find alternative words if you’re unsure
Context Matters
When it comes to using the words “regarding” and “according,” context matters. The choice between these two words can depend on the situation in which they are being used. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “regarding” and “according” might change.
Formal Writing
In formal writing, it is important to choose your words carefully to convey a professional and authoritative tone. In this context, “regarding” is often the preferred choice. For example:
- Regarding your inquiry about our services, we are pleased to provide you with more information.
- The report submitted by the team was comprehensive regarding the project’s progress.
In these examples, “regarding” is used to introduce a topic or to show that the information provided is relevant to the topic at hand.
Legal Language
Legal language is another context where the choice between “regarding” and “according” can be important. In legal writing, “according” is often used to indicate that something is in agreement with or in compliance with a law or regulation. For example:
- The company acted according to the regulations set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- According to the terms of the contract, the payment is due on the 15th of each month.
In these examples, “according” is used to show that the action being taken is in accordance with a specific law, regulation, or agreement.
Informal Communication
In informal communication, the choice between “regarding” and “according” may not be as important. However, it is still important to consider the context in which the words are being used. For example:
- Regarding your question, I think we should meet to discuss it further.
- According to the weather report, it’s going to rain tomorrow.
In these examples, either word could be used interchangeably without significantly changing the meaning of the sentence. However, “regarding” may be perceived as more formal than “according.”
Overall, the choice between “regarding” and “according” depends on the context in which they are used. In formal writing, “regarding” is often preferred, while in legal language, “according” is often used to indicate compliance with regulations. In informal communication, either word may be used interchangeably.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using regarding and according are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply.
1. Use Of Regarding In Legal Language
In legal language, regarding is often used to indicate a reference to a specific statute or regulation. For example:
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| According to the law, you must… | Regarding Section 5 of the law, you must… |
Here, the use of regarding is more appropriate as it specifically refers to a particular section of the law.
2. Use Of According In Formal Writing
In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, according is often preferred over regarding. This is because according is seen as more formal and authoritative.
For example, in an academic paper:
- Regarding the theory of relativity, Einstein argued that…
- According to the theory of relativity, Einstein argued that…
The second sentence is more appropriate as it is more formal and authoritative.
3. Use Of Regarding In Common Phrases
There are some common phrases where the use of regarding is preferred over according. For example:
- With regard to
- In regard to
- Regarding the matter
These phrases are commonly used in formal writing and are more appropriate than using according.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of regarding and according is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (regarding or according) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- _______ to the weather report, it’s going to rain later today.
- She had some questions __________ the new policy.
- _________ to the schedule, the meeting is at 2 pm.
- He was unsure ___________ the instructions he received.
- _________ to the survey results, most people prefer the blue option.
Answer Key:
- According
- Regarding
- According
- Regarding
- According
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete each sentence below with the correct form of regarding or according:
- _____________ to the report, the company is doing well.
- _____________ to the instructions, you need to press the red button.
- She had some questions _____________ the new policy.
- _____________ to the schedule, the meeting is at 2 pm.
- _____________ to the survey results, most people prefer the blue option.
Answer Key:
- According
- According
- Regarding
- According
- According
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances of “regarding” and “according,” it’s clear that these two words are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings and usages. It’s important to understand the differences between these words in order to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
Key Takeaways
- “Regarding” is used to indicate a subject or topic, while “according” is used to indicate agreement or conformity.
- Both words can be used as prepositions or adverbs.
- When in doubt, consider the context and intended meaning of the sentence to determine which word to use.
By paying attention to the subtle differences between these words, you can elevate your writing and communication skills.
Continuing Your Learning
If you’re interested in further improving your grammar and language use, there are many resources available. Consider taking a writing course or workshop, or exploring online resources such as grammar blogs and style guides.
Remember, language is a powerful tool, and the more you understand about it, the more effectively you can communicate your ideas and thoughts.
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.