Common mistake with/in reference to, with/in regard to (about, of, on, for, concerning, regarding)

Common Mistakes in English Grammar

Using Long Phrases Instead of Shorter Alternatives

When it comes to English grammar, it's important to use precise and concise language to convey your thoughts. However, there are common mistakes that people often make by using long phrases when shorter alternatives are available.

One such mistake is using phrases like "with/in reference to" or "with/in regard to" instead of shorter alternatives like "about," "of," "on," "for," "concerning," or "regarding." These longer phrases may sound more formal, but they can make your writing unnecessarily wordy and convoluted.

For example:

  • Incorrect: With reference to the meeting scheduled for next week, we need to discuss the new project proposals.
  • Correct: Regarding the meeting scheduled for next week, we need to discuss the new project proposals.

In this example, replacing "with reference to" with "regarding" not only reduces the number of words but also makes the sentence more direct and easier to understand.

By using shorter alternatives, you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. It's important to remember that simplicity and precision are key when it comes to grammar and communication.

Linguix grammar checker can help you identify and correct such common mistakes to enhance your writing skills.

with/in reference to, with/in regard to (about, of, on, for, concerning, regarding) mistake examples

  • Incorrect:
    Statement in reference to the book.

    Correct:
    Statement about|of|on|for|concerning|regarding the book.

  • Correct:
    Statement on the book.
  • Incorrect:
    What shall we do in regard to the dinner?

    Correct:
    What shall we do about|of|on|for|concerning|regarding the dinner?

  • Incorrect:
    What shall we do with regard to the dinner?

    Correct:
    What shall we do about|of|on|for|concerning|regarding the dinner?

  • Correct:
    What shall we do about the dinner?
  • Correct:
    What shall we do regarding the dinner?
  • Incorrect:
    This reply is in regard to your message earlier this week.

    Correct:
    This reply is about|of|on|for|concerning|regarding your message earlier this week.

  • Correct:
    This reply concerns your message earlier this week.
  • Correct:
    This reply is about your message earlier this week.
  • Incorrect:
    With regard to your letter last week, …

    Correct:
    About|Of|On|For|Concerning|Regarding your letter last week, …

  • Correct:
    Regarding your letter last week, …
  • Incorrect:
    Misunderstanding can arise in reference to how a person becomes certified or credentialed.

    Correct:
    Misunderstanding can arise about|of|on|for|concerning|regarding how a person becomes certified or credentialed.

  • Correct:
    Misunderstanding can arise about how a person becomes certified or credentialed.
  • Correct:
    Misunderstanding can arise regarding how a person becomes certified or credentialed.
  • Incorrect:
    The veterinary clinic gets many calls from children with regard to lost pets.

    Correct:
    The veterinary clinic gets many calls from children about|of|on|for|concerning|regarding lost pets.

  • Correct:
    The veterinary clinic gets many calls from children concerning lost pets.
  • Correct:
    The veterinary clinic gets many calls from children regarding lost pets.
  • Correct:
    The veterinary clinic gets many calls from children about lost pets.
  • Incorrect:
    This test is important with regard to the new rules.

    Correct:
    This test is important about|of|on|for|concerning|regarding the new rules.

  • Correct:
    This test is important for the new rules.
  • Incorrect:
    Before you do a test with regard to a rule, always include a correct example and an incorrect example.

    Correct:
    Before you do a test about|of|on|for|concerning|regarding a rule, always include a correct example and an incorrect example.

  • Correct:
    Before you do a test of a rule, always include a correct example and an incorrect example.
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