regarding

The policy regarding employee benefits was updated last week.

Definition

1. Preposition:
   • Concerning or with respect to: "regarding" is used to introduce the subject of a statement or to indicate what something is about. It functions as a formal way to say "about" or "concerning."

Usage Examples

• Preposition:
  • I am writing to you regarding your recent application. (Concerning your recent application.)
  • There is a meeting regarding the new project tomorrow. (A meeting about the new project.)
  • She asked a question regarding the schedule. (A question about the schedule.)

Advanced Usage

• "Regarding" at the start of a sentence: It can be used to introduce a topic formally.
  • Regarding your request, we will process it as soon as possible. (Concerning your request, we will handle it promptly.)
• "Regarding" in informal contexts: While formal, it is also common in business and academic writing.
  • Nothing has changed regarding the deadline. (Nothing has changed about the deadline.)

Variants and Related Words

• Regard (verb): to consider or think of someone or something in a specified way.
  • I regard her as a close friend. (I consider her a close friend.)
• Regard (noun): attention or consideration; respect or esteem.
  • He has great regard for his teacher. (He has high respect for his teacher.)
• Regarding is the present participle of the verb "regard," but it is primarily used as a preposition in modern English.

Synonyms

• Concerning: about; regarding.
  • We need to talk concerning your performance. (We need to talk regarding your performance.)
• About: on the subject of; concerning.
  • This book is about history. (This book is regarding history.)
• With respect to: regarding; concerning.
  • With respect to your question, the answer is no. (Regarding your question, the answer is no.)

Related Idioms

• In regard to: concerning; regarding.
  • In regard to your email, I will respond later. (Regarding your email, I will respond later.)
• As regards: concerning; regarding.
  • As regards the budget, we need to make cuts. (Regarding the budget, we need to make cuts.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Note: "Regarding" itself is not used in phrasal verbs, but the verb "regard" can appear in phrases like "regard as" (to consider as).
  • She is regarded as an expert. (She is considered an expert.)