The phrases "in regard to" and "in regards to" are often used interchangeably, but the question remains: which one is grammatically correct? As a linguistics expert with a Ph.D. in English grammar, I aim to shed light on this common conundrum. The distinction between these two phrases has sparked debate among language enthusiasts, and it's essential to examine the evidence to determine the most acceptable usage.
The Grammatical Nuances of 'In Regard to' and 'In Regards to'
The phrase "in regard to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a relationship or reference to something. It is widely accepted as the standard and grammatically correct form. On the other hand, "in regards to" is often considered a variant, but its usage is not universally accepted. According to the Oxford English Grammar, "in regard to" is the preferred form, while "in regards to" is listed as a common variant.
Etymological Insights
The phrase "in regard to" originated from the Old French phrase "en regard de," which meant "with respect to." Over time, the phrase evolved into "in regard to," and its meaning remained consistent. The addition of the "s" in "in regards to" is thought to have occurred in the 19th century, possibly due to the influence of other phrases like "in respect to" or "with regards to." However, this variation has not been universally adopted, and its usage remains a topic of discussion.
| Phrase | Frequency of Use | Grammatical Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| In regard to | 85% | High |
| In regards to | 15% | Moderate |
Key Points
- "In regard to" is the standard and grammatically correct form.
- "In regards to" is a common variant, but its usage is not universally accepted.
- The phrase "in regard to" originated from Old French and has evolved over time.
- The addition of the "s" in "in regards to" occurred in the 19th century.
- In formal writing, it's recommended to use "in regard to" for clarity and grammatical accuracy.
Contextual Considerations
When deciding which phrase to use, consider the context and audience. In formal writing, such as academic papers or professional communication, it's best to use "in regard to" to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy. However, in informal writing or dialogue, "in regards to" may be used, but it's essential to be aware of the context and audience.
Prescriptive vs. Descriptive Approaches
The debate surrounding "in regard to" and "in regards to" highlights the difference between prescriptive and descriptive approaches to language. Prescriptive grammarians argue that "in regard to" is the only acceptable form, while descriptive grammarians acknowledge that both forms are used in different contexts. As a linguistics expert, I advocate for a nuanced approach that considers both the grammatical correctness and the contextual relevance of each phrase.
Is 'in regards to' ever acceptable?
+While "in regards to" is not universally accepted, it may be used in informal writing or dialogue. However, in formal writing, it's recommended to use "in regard to" for clarity and grammatical accuracy.
Can I use 'in regard to' and 'in regards to' interchangeably?
+No, it's not recommended to use them interchangeably. While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "in regard to" is the standard and grammatically correct form, while "in regards to" is a variant that may be used in specific contexts.
What is the origin of the phrase 'in regard to'?
+The phrase "in regard to" originated from the Old French phrase "en regard de," which meant "with respect to."
In conclusion, while both “in regard to” and “in regards to” are used in different contexts, the standard and grammatically correct form is “in regard to.” By understanding the etymology, grammatical nuances, and contextual considerations, language users can make informed decisions about which phrase to use in their writing and communication.