I am writing with regard to

You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of an email. Start with a greeting like Dear Mr. Smith. Then, follow it immediately with I am writing with regard to. After the phrase, add a noun or a short phrase. For example, you might say with regard to our meeting. It keeps your writing organized and easy to follow. Don't forget to keep the rest of your sentence clear.

This is your go-to phrase for official business. Use it when applying for a new job. It works perfectly for sending a formal complaint to a company. Use it when asking a professor about a grade. It is also great for following up on a contract or project. It shows you are serious and respectful of their time. It makes you sound like a polished professional.

Never use this phrase with your best friends. If you text your roommate I am writing with regard to the dishes, they will think you are joking. It is way too stiff for casual settings. Avoid it in quick, internal Slack messages to close teammates. It can feel cold or overly distant if used incorrectly. If you are just saying 'hi', this phrase is definitely too much. Keep it for people you don't know well.

English business culture values 'buffers' or polite openings. We often avoid being too direct right away. Using phrases like this shows you understand professional etiquette. It comes from a long history of formal letter writing. In the past, letters were very stiff and structured. While modern emails are shorter, we still keep these polite anchors. It signals that you are a 'safe' and educated person to do business with.

You might hear people say regarding for a shorter version. Some prefer in reference to for legal or very strict matters. With respect to is another cousin of this phrase. If you want to be slightly less formal, you can say I'm writing about. However, in a cover letter, stick to the original. It has the most 'weight' and authority. It shows you put effort into your tone.