Plural of Regards
The familiar greetings noun is lexicalized in the plural as “regards.” That does not mean every use of “regard” must be plural: singular “regard” remains standard in constructions such as “with regard to” or “high regard.”
In the greeting or good-wishes sense, “regards” is a plural expression: “send my regards” or “give her my regards.” Singular “regard” has other meanings and constructions.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| greetings/good wishes | regards | Plural lexical expression. |
| connection/topic phrase | with regard to | Singular fixed construction. |
| esteem | high regard | Singular/mass-like use. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Do you mean greetings or good wishes sent to someone?
If yes: Use plural “regards.”
If no: Use the form required by the different “regard” sense or construction.
Caveat: Email sign-off style is a separate editorial question; this page is about the noun’s number by sense.
Examples
Please give Maya my regards.
The greetings sense uses plural “regards.”
He is held in high regard.
This is a different singular construction.
With regard to your request, we need more detail.
The fixed phrase uses singular “regard.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use plural “regards” when you mean greetings or good wishes.
Fast Test
If the meaning is “greetings,” plural “regards” is the standard lexical expression.
Usage Boundary
Do not force plural “regards” into unrelated singular constructions such as “with regard to.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- REGARDS | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge labels regards a plural expression/noun in the greetings sense.