IELTS TOEFL TOEIC Grammar: with regard vs with regards

ScottsEnglish

With regard to OR With regards to?  Should the 's' be included or left out?

I recently read the following sentence in an IELTS candidate's Task 2 essay:

Tourism is the gate through which different countries expect more challenges. Firstly, international travelers are not as careful as citizens with regards to respecting national regulations and laws. 

The part of the sentence that caught my eye was '...with regards to...' in the second sentence.  The reason it got my attention is because it is incorrect!  There are two ways that 'regard(s)' are used:

1. In the sense of referring to someone/something (i.e., with regard to = with reference to).

E.g., I am writing this letter with regard to a recent issue I have encountered in our local neighbourhood.

2. WIth the purpose of passing on best wishes to someone (i.e., with regards to = with good wishes to)

E.g., Please say 'hello' to your family for me and give my best regards to your boss as well

Choose the correct word to complete the sentences:

1. The purpose of his visit was with ______ to the need to increase sales.

A. regards
B. regard

2. We must pass on our very best ______ to Patricia - she's been unwell lately.

A. regard
B. regards

1. The purpose of his visit was with ______ to the need to increase sales.
2. We need to pass on our very best ______ to Patricia - she's been unwell lately.