Guide 07 / 200 5 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “With regard to”
The memo-writer's reflex.
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
A phrase that sneaks into sentences whose subject has already been established. Nine times in ten, you can strip it and start with the noun itself. (Note: "with regards to" is the sign-off; "with regard to" is the phrase.)
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
With regard to the schedule, we're on track.
After
The schedule is on track.
iii · The alternatives5 ways out
- 01About neutral
conversational, cheap, right
A quick note about the schedule.
- 02Regarding formal
emails, letters, subject lines
Regarding your note of Friday…
- 03Concerning formal
legal / reporting tone
Concerning the audit findings…
- 04On neutral
when followed by a topic noun
A paper on climate models.
- 05As for neutral
pivoting to a new topic
As for the rest, we'll decide Monday.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
Ask: is there an actual subject here, or am I stalling? If stalling, cut the preamble.