The simplest regarding synonym is about, and in daily writing it usually beats every fancier choice. When you want a slightly more formal sound, concerning, on, with regard to and as for do the same job of pointing at a topic.
Regarding shows up everywhere in office writing, which is why it can start to feel stiff. Swapping in a shorter word often makes an email friendlier and clearer. Further down you get another word for regarding sorted by tone, how to open a new topic, and a common grammar slip to avoid.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
about, concerning, on, with regard to, as forPart of speech
PrepositionMost casual
about, on, re (in subject lines)Most formal
pertaining to, with respect to, apropos ofWatch out
In regards to is widely seen as an error. Write in regard to or with regard to.Shortest swap
about, which almost always works
The regarding synonym scale, plain to formal
Moving along the chips, formality rises step by step. About is short, plain and friendly. On suits titles and topics: a talk on budgets, a report on safety. Concerning is a polished step up, common in letters and notices. With regard to sounds official and fits policies or legal text. Pertaining to sits at the stiff end and mostly belongs in contracts or academic writing.
Many style guides suggest using the shortest word that is clear. In everyday email, about wins nearly every time.
Options with their best setting
| Word or phrase | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| about | Almost anything | I am writing about your order. |
| on | Talks, books, reports | She gave a workshop on budgeting. |
| concerning | Letters and official notices | A notice concerning parking changes. |
| with regard to | Formal policies | Rules with regard to overtime. |
| in relation to | Comparing or connecting ideas | Costs in relation to income. |
| re | Subject lines and memos | Re: team lunch on Friday |
| as for | Moving to a new point | As for the venue, it is booked. |
Shorter, friendlier emails
- I have a question regarding the invoice becomes I have a question about the invoice.
- Regarding your request, we can help becomes as for your request, we can help.
- Information regarding the course becomes information on the course.
- Any updates regarding the shipment? becomes any news on the shipment?
- Policies regarding leave becomes policies concerning leave.
A manager types: "Regarding the meeting regarding the new schedule, please see below." Two regardings in one line. The fix: "About tomorrow's meeting on the new schedule, please see below." Same message, half the stiffness.
Opening a sentence with a new topic
When regarding starts a sentence, it usually means "now, about this other thing." Good swaps for that job are as for, when it comes to, turning to and as regards. In speech, speaking of links back to something just mentioned: speaking of lunch, are you hungry?
Essay paragraph: "Regarding the second cause, poor roads slowed trade." Revised: "Turning to the second cause, poor roads slowed trade." Turning to signals a new step in the argument, which suits an essay structure.
Mistakes to avoid
In regards to and with regards to are common but treated as errors by careful editors. The singular form is correct: in regard to, with regard to. The plural regards belongs in sign-offs, as in kind regards.
Regardless looks similar but means despite or without caring; see regardless synonyms for that idea. Considering means taking something into account, not simply naming a topic.
Re is short for regarding only in subject lines and memos. Inside a sentence, write about instead.
Frequently asked questions
Which plain word can replace regarding?
About. It means the same thing in nearly every sentence and makes writing sound more natural and direct.
Is concerning more formal than regarding?
They sit at about the same level. Concerning can sound a little smoother in letters, but either works in professional writing.
Is it in regard to or in regards to?
In regard to is standard. In regards to is very common in speech but many editors and teachers mark it as wrong.
What does Re mean in an email subject?
It stands for regarding or in reply to. Use it in subject lines and memo headings, not inside the body text.
How do I start an email without regarding?
Try I am writing about, A quick question on, or Following up on. Each names the topic in plainer words.
Can I use as for instead of regarding?
Yes, when you are moving to a new point: as for the budget, it is approved. As for sounds odd in the middle of a phrase like information regarding the course.