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Prepositions after verbs

Regard as vs regard to

Use regard as to mean consider someone or something in a particular way. Regard to appears in different fixed expressions such as with regard to.

Quick answer

Difference between regard as and regard to

Regard as means consider or view in a certain way. Regard to is not normally used directly after the verb regard; instead, use expressions such as with regard to.

Many people regard her as a brilliant leader.
The committee regards the policy as outdated.
With regard to your request, we will reply tomorrow.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
regard as + role or quality

Expressing an opinion or judgment

Use regard as to say how someone or something is viewed.

They regard him as an expert.
I regard the decision as unfair.
2
with regard to + topic

Introducing a subject formally

With regard to is a formal phrase meaning concerning or about.

With regard to the schedule, the meeting has changed.
With regard to your email, I need more details.
3
as regards + topic

Using a formal alternative

As regards is another formal expression meaning concerning.

As regards the budget, no decision has been made.
As regards travel plans, we will confirm next week.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
regard as
She is regarded as a pioneer.
standard pattern meaning consider
regard to
With regard to your application, we will contact you soon.
appears in fixed expressions, not usually directly after regard
regard + object
They regard the matter seriously.
less common structure without as, often with adverbs

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using regard to directly after the verb

Regard normally takes as when expressing an opinion.

✕ They regard him to a genius. ✓ They regard him as a genius.

Dropping as unnecessarily

As is usually needed before a role or category.

✕ We regard her an authority. ✓ We regard her as an authority.

Confusing regard with with regard to

With regard to is a separate fixed phrase.

✕ I regard to your complaint. ✓ With regard to your complaint, I will investigate.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Most critics regard the novel ___ a classic.
2. ___ your question, the answer is yes.
3. They regard him ___ trustworthy.

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Frequently asked questions

Is regard to correct after the verb regard?

Usually no. Use regard as, or use the separate phrase with regard to.

What does regard as mean?

It means consider or view in a particular way.

Is with regard to formal?

Yes. It is common in formal writing and business communication.

radiate-from-into-around-to, with "raise in" or "raise by"? rake in, through, across, at or over? rally in, around, to, behind or on? "rape by" or "rape in"? ratify by, in, on, according or as? ravage by, from, on, through or with? rave about, at, from, to or before? reach for, by, at, to or into? react to, with, in, by or like? read about, in, on, through or for? "realize in", "realize at" or "realize by"?

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