What does regarding mean?
Regarding is a formal preposition meaning “about” or “in relation to,” especially when introducing the subject of a discussion, document, or proposal. It can stand before a noun or phrase—“regarding safety”—or begin a prepositional phrase—“Regarding your application, ...”—and is common in professional, legal, academic, and administrative writing. Although it ends in -ing, it is not normally a gerund or a present participle in this use; its grammatical role is that of a preposition. In less common modern sentences, regarding can still be the present participle of regard, as in “regarding him with suspicion.” The word has long conveyed the idea of looking toward, considering, or bearing on a matter. Its formal tone makes it useful in precise correspondence, though everyday speakers often choose the simpler about when no special formality is needed. Understanding regarding therefore involves both its meaning and register: it clearly identifies the topic under discussion without adding the directional force found in such alternatives as toward.
Introducing the subject or matter being discussed, mentioned, or considered.
"The agency published guidance regarding public access to the records."
Common in formal and professional writing; it is more direct and less conversational than “on the subject of.”
As the present participle of regard, to look at or consider.
"He stood at the window, regarding the garden below."
This participial use is less common in contemporary English than the word's prepositional function.
Regarding is a preposition in disguise: despite the -ing ending, it simply means “about,” with a more professional air.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does regarding come from?
Regarding was formed in the early 17th century from regard + -ing and was used with the sense “with reference to” or “concerning.” Regard came into Middle English through Old French regarder, which was built on Frankish *gard, meaning “to look at”; the same Germanic root is reflected in garrison. Later formations such as disregard and regardless also developed from regard.
How regarding is actually used
Regarding is formal to neutral in tone and is especially common in professional, legal, academic, and administrative writing. Its -ing ending does not make it a gerund in its usual prepositional use.
Easily confused with regarding
Regarding is normally a preposition introducing a topic, while regard is a verb or noun meaning to consider or hold an opinion about something.