"with regard to" vs "in regard to"

[JoJo728]

What is the difference between the two in usage?

when I am making a phone call and trying to get across the purpose of the call, should I say

"I am calling in regard to....." or "I am calling with regard to......."

[Delmobile]

I think either is correct, although "in regard to" is more common. There's also "I'm calling regarding...."

I much prefer the simple, economical "I'm calling about...."

[native speaker, not a teacher]

[Teia]

Originally Posted by JoJo728

What is the difference between the two in usage?

when I am making a phone call and trying to get across the purpose of the call, should I say

"I am calling in regard to....." or "I am calling with regard to......."

In my opinion the two expressions are interchangeable. You can also use "as regards" -concerning.

in regard to ,or with regard to - with respect to.

[Teia]

Originally Posted by Delmobile

I think either is correct, although "in regard to" is more common. There's also "I'm calling regarding...."

I much prefer the simple, economical "I'm calling about...."

[native speaker, not a teacher]

Hi Delmobile

If I used "as regards" , would it be correct? Or, does this expression imply the idea that the listener already knows the subject of the discussion ?

Thank you

[Delmobile]

Hi Teia - I don't think "I'm calling as regards..." would be correct, although no one would mistake the meaning. But you would say, "As regards the lunch break, no employee is to leave the office before 11:30."

However, and remember this is my opinion only, both phrases are stiff at best and pretentious at worst, and lead those who indulge in them gently but inexorably to the dreaded "irregardless."

[Teia]

Thank you very much for your reply.