I have been using the following phrases but I am still not confident that they are grammatically correct and sound right:
I have also heard/read people using an arbitrary combination of the above (e.g. "in regards to"). Are those correct? If yes - are they equivalent or the usage depends on context?
I have been using the following phrases but I am still not confident that they are grammatically correct and sound right:
"in regards with something"
"in regard to" is the right way here.
"with regards to something"
This is OK. Somehow I have the feeling that "with regard to" is more normal though. Paul Brians seems to back this up.
"regarding something"
This is OK, e.g. film title "Regarding Henry", etc.
I have also heard/read people using an arbitrary combination of the above (e.g. "in regards to"). Are those correct? If yes - are they equivalent or the usage depends on context?
It's much easier to answer your question if you put in some examples you've seen. Anyway I hope the above is enough.
Note that there is a completely different usage "regards to" as in "give my regards to old Broadway and tell them I will soon be there" etc.
The only correct terminologies are with regard to, in regard to, regarding, and as regards.
With regards to and in regards to are mere nonstandard variations.
"Regarding" is better than "in regard to".
"About" is absolutely fine and good old plain English - nothing wrong with it. Plain English is good and eminently preferable every time. All too often people try and be clever by using fancy and/or unnecessary words. Just say it how it is.
Awful:
In regards to
With regards to
Fine:
- About
- In relation to
- With regard to
- In relation to
- Concerning
You speak in regard to something or with regard to someone. Examples: In regard to work habits, John puts in too many hours. With regard to Peter, he puts in none.
Even when using "with regard to", most people use it incorrectly. Why not avoid this word altogether and say "concerning", "about" or "in the matter of", all perfectly sound and correct. "With regards to" is colloquial and incorrect.
Collins paper back dictionary has 'with regards' as correct. I tend to go with this.
"...in regard to" is the correct terminology.
You "give regards" to someone.
I use "regarding" or "with respect to". I never use "in regard(s) to" or "with regard(s) to" and in fact cringe every time I hear or read them or any of their variations.
Then again, this is what grammarist.com says:
