You've probably seen it a thousand times in your inbox. "In regards to the meeting next Tuesday..." It sounds official. It feels professional. But honestly? It's often just clunky filler that slows down your reader. Most people reach for an in regards to synonym because they want to sound authoritative, yet they end up burying the actual point of their message under a layer of linguistic dust.
Words matter.
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If you're stuck in a loop of using the same dry phrases, your emails start to look like they were written by a 19th-century law clerk. We can do better. Language is flexible, and finding a better in regards to synonym isn't just about being a "grammar nerd." It’s about clarity. It's about making sure the person on the other end of the screen actually understands what you want without having to wade through a swamp of corporate-speak.
Why "In Regards To" Is Usually a Mistake
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first. People often mix up "in regard to" and "in regards to." Strictly speaking, "in regard to" is the traditional idiom. Adding that extra 's' is a common habit, but it drives editors crazy. Even if you use the "correct" singular version, it's still heavy. It’s a "wordy preposition."
Why use four words when one will do?
Think about the cognitive load on your reader. When someone opens an email, they are scanning for meaning. Their brain has to process "in," then "regards," then "to," and then finally "the project." If you just say "About the project," they get to the meat of the sentence instantly. It's faster. It's cleaner.
There's also the issue of tone. Overusing formal phrases can make you seem distant or even slightly passive-aggressive. If a boss starts an email with "In regards to your recent performance," you're already bracing for a lecture. It feels cold. Switching to a more natural in regards to synonym can actually build better rapport with your team or your clients.
The Best All-Purpose Alternatives
If you want to stop sounding like a robot, you need a toolkit of replacements. You don't need a PhD in linguistics; you just need to realize that simple is usually stronger.
Regarding is the most obvious choice. It’s a single word. It’s professional but not archaic. If you’re writing a formal memo, "Regarding the Q3 budget" is much tighter than the three-word alternative.
About is the king of simplicity. Many people avoid "about" because they think it’s too informal for business. That’s a myth. Using "about" shows confidence. It says, "I don't need to hide behind big words to show I'm smart."
Concerning works well when there is a specific issue or a point of friction. It carries a bit more weight. If there is a safety issue on a job site, "Concerning the recent safety audit" sounds appropriately serious without being needlessly flowery.
Choosing Based on the Situation
Context is everything. You wouldn't talk to a CEO the same way you talk to a coworker you've known for five years.
For quick updates, try On.
"On the topic of the new software..."
It's punchy.
For referencing a specific document or previous conversation, Per or Following up on works wonders. "Per our conversation" is a classic for a reason. It links the current thought to a past event seamlessly.
But be careful.
Don't just swap one buzzword for another. "As per" is redundant. You don't need the "as." Just "per" is fine. Honestly, the goal is to strip away the fluff until only the meaning remains.
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The Grammar Trap: "In Regards To" vs. "With Regard To"
If you absolutely must use the formal structure, at least get the phrasing right so you don't lose credibility with the sticklers in HR.
- With regard to (Correct, singular)
- In regard to (Correct, singular)
- In regards to (Commonly used but technically nonstandard)
- As regards (Grammatically okay, but feels very "British boarding school")
Actually, there is a fun little trick to remember this. Think of "regards" as something you send at the end of a letter. "Kind regards, John." You wouldn't say "In kind regards to," right? So when you are referencing a topic, keep it singular.
Modern Business Communication Trends
Communication in 2026 is moving toward radical brevity. We are all overwhelmed by notifications. Slack, Teams, Discord, email—it never ends. In this environment, long-winded phrases are an active hindrance.
According to writing experts like those at the Poynter Institute, "clutter" is the number one enemy of effective writing. When you use an in regards to synonym like "about," you are decluttering your prose.
Bryan Garner, the author of Garner's Modern English Usage, specifically points out that these prepositional phrases are "windy." They take up space without adding value. He suggests that professional writers should treat words like currency. Don't spend five words when the "cost" of the idea is only one.
Real-World Examples: Before and After
Let's look at how this actually plays out in the wild.
The Stuffy Version: "In regards to the proposal submitted by the marketing team, we have several concerns in regards to the timeline."
The Human Version: "We have a few concerns about the marketing team's proposal timeline."
See the difference? The second version is 10 words shorter. It hits harder. It's more direct.
The Legalistic Version: "I am writing to you today in regards to your inquiry about the lease agreement."
The Direct Version: "I'm writing about your lease agreement inquiry."
The "Direct Version" feels like a conversation. The "Legalistic Version" feels like a subpoena. Unless you are actually serving someone papers, go with the one that doesn't make people's skin crawl.
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When Formal Is Actually Better
I’m not saying you should never be formal. There are times when you need a bit of "distance" in your writing. If you’re writing a formal legal brief, a diplomatic cable, or perhaps a very serious disciplinary letter, the traditional "In regard to" (note the singular!) provides a layer of professional detachment.
It acts as a buffer.
Sometimes, you don't want to be "buddies" with the reader. You want to be a representative of an institution. In those rare cases, the longer phrase signals that this is an official matter of record. But for 99% of what we do? It's just a bad habit we picked up in school because we were trying to hit a word count on an essay.
Semantic Variations to Keep Things Fresh
If you find yourself using "about" in every single sentence, your writing will feel repetitive. You need to rotate your vocabulary.
- Considering: Great for when you are weighing options. "Considering the current market, we should hold off."
- Regarding: The perfect middle-ground between "about" and "in regard to."
- As for: This is excellent for transitioning between points. "The budget is approved. As for the hiring plan, we need more time."
- In terms of: Use this when you are narrowing the scope. "In terms of cost, it's a great deal."
- Apropos of: Use this if you want to sound slightly intellectual or quirky (but use it sparingly, or people will think you're trying too hard).
Breaking the Habit
Most of us use these phrases unconsciously. It’s "filler." Like saying "um" or "like" when you speak. To break the habit, you have to edit your work after you write it.
Write your email. Then, go back and look for the word "regards." If you see it in the middle of a sentence, highlight it. Ask yourself: "Can I replace this with 'about' or 'on'?"
Nine times out of ten, the answer is yes.
You’ll find that your writing becomes more persuasive. Why? Because people trust people who get to the point. Obfuscation—the act of making things unclear—is often a sign that the writer doesn't actually know what they’re talking about. Clarity is a sign of mastery.
Practical Steps for Better Writing
Stop trying to sound "smart" by using longer words. True intelligence is taking a complex idea and making it simple enough for anyone to understand. If you're ready to clean up your communication, here is how to handle it tomorrow morning when you open your laptop.
Start by auditing your sent folder. Look at your last ten emails. How many of them use "in regards to"? If it's more than two, you've found a linguistic crutch.
Next, try the "Delete Test." Sometimes you don't even need a synonym.
"In regards to the weather, it's raining."
"It's raining."
The phrase was doing zero work. Often, you can just delete the entire introductory phrase and the sentence stands up just fine on its own.
Finally, vary your sentence length. A long, complex thought can be followed by a short, punchy one. This creates a rhythm. It keeps the reader engaged. If every sentence starts with a heavy prepositional phrase, the reader’s eyes will glaze over. They’ll miss your call to action. They’ll ignore your deadline.
Write like a human. Use the in regards to synonym that fits the vibe of the room. Usually, that’s the simplest one you can find. Your readers will thank you, even if they don't realize why your emails are suddenly so much easier to read.
Actionable Takeaways
- Check your plurality: If you must use the phrase, use "in regard to" (singular).
- Default to "About": It is almost always the better choice for internal communications and quick client updates.
- Use "As for" for transitions: It helps move the reader from one topic to the next without the clunkiness of formal lead-ins.
- Delete the fluff: Before hitting send, see if the sentence works without any introductory phrase at all.
- Match the medium: Use "regarding" for formal PDFs/Memos and "about" or "on" for Slack/Email.
The shift toward clearer, more direct language isn't just a trend; it's a necessity in an age of information overload. By swapping out tired phrases for more agile synonyms, you position yourself as a clear thinker and an efficient communicator. Focus on the message, not the "decoration" around it. Over time, this style of writing becomes second nature, and the "in regards to" habit will naturally fade away.