In 15 Seconds
- A very formal way to say 'considering'.
- Mainly used in legal, academic, and official writing.
- Connects a key fact to a logical conclusion.
- Avoid using it in casual, everyday conversation.
Meaning
This is a very formal way of saying 'considering' or 'taking into account'. It signals that you are about to introduce a crucial piece of information that has a major influence on a decision or judgment. Think of it as putting on a tuxedo to say 'because of this fact'.
Key Examples
3 of 12Formal business letter
Having regard to the rising costs of raw materials, we must increase our prices by 5%.
Considering the rising costs of raw materials, we must increase our prices by 5%.
Legal document
The court, having regard to the defendant's previous good character, imposed a lighter sentence.
The court, taking into account the defendant's previous good character, imposed a lighter sentence.
Academic paper
Having regard to the limitations of the data set, the conclusions should be considered preliminary.
Considering the limitations of the data set, the conclusions should be considered preliminary.
Cultural Background
In the UK, this phrase is often used to signal that a decision is 'defensible' in a court of law or public inquiry. American lawyers use this to show they have performed their 'due diligence'. Common in official government policy documents to explain the rationale behind new laws. Used in treaties and international agreements to show that multiple factors were weighed.
The Comma Rule
Always follow this phrase with a comma when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader pause and process the context.
Don't Overuse
This phrase is very formal. Using it too often will make your writing sound like a legal document.
In 15 Seconds
- A very formal way to say 'considering'.
- Mainly used in legal, academic, and official writing.
- Connects a key fact to a logical conclusion.
- Avoid using it in casual, everyday conversation.
What It Means
Ever feel like your emails need to wear a suit and tie? That's where having regard to comes in. It’s one of the most formal ways to say you’re considering a specific point, and it instantly makes you sound like a lawyer or a top-tier academic.
What It Means
At its core, having regard to simply means 'thinking about' or 'considering' something important before making a decision. It’s a signpost you use to say, “Hey, this fact I’m about to mention? It’s the reason for what comes next.” It carries a lot of weight and seriousness. It’s not just a casual thought; it’s a deliberate, careful consideration of a key factor. Using it implies a logical and official process.
How To Use It
Think of it as a formal connector. You place it at the beginning of a sentence or clause to link a reason to a conclusion. The structure is usually: Having regard to + [The Important Fact], + [The Decision/Conclusion]. For example: "Having regard to the extreme weather forecast, the event has been cancelled." It’s that simple. Just make sure the situation is formal enough to handle it. You wouldn't cancel a pizza night with friends this way. Well, unless you wanted them to think you're hilarious.
Formality & Register
This phrase lives at the highest end of the formality spectrum. It is very formal. You will find it in:
- Legal documents
- Academic papers
- Government reports
- Formal business proposals
It is almost exclusively used in writing. Saying it out loud in a normal conversation would be very unusual and might get you some funny looks, unless you're actually in a courtroom.
Real-Life Examples
Let’s bring it into the modern world. Imagine you're writing a formal complaint to an airline.
- Email Subject: Complaint Regarding Flight BA249
- Body: "
Having regard tothe 12-hour delay and the loss of my luggage, I am requesting a full refund and compensation."
Or maybe you're a student writing an essay:
- "
Having regard tothe evidence from the 2022 study, the initial hypothesis must be rejected."
See? It’s for serious business. Not for your Instagram caption about your cat.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you need to be precise, official, and show that your decision is based on careful thought. It’s perfect for situations where you need to justify your actions clearly and formally. Think of it as your secret weapon for sounding incredibly professional. It adds a layer of authority and seriousness to your statement, making it clear that your conclusion is not random but based on specific grounds.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use having regard to in casual conversations. Seriously. Texting your friend, "Having regard to the traffic, I'll be 5 minutes late" is overkill. They might reply, "Did you swallow a dictionary?" Stick to because of or considering for everyday chat. Using it in the wrong context can make you sound pretentious or like you’re trying too hard. It's like wearing a ball gown to go grocery shopping.
Common Mistakes
Having regards to the facts...
✓Having regard to the facts...
(The phrase is always singular: regard, not regards.)
Having regard to I was tired, I went to bed.
✓Having regard to my tiredness, I went to bed. OR ✓ Considering I was tired, I went to bed.
(It must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a whole clause.)
Common Variations
While having regard to is unique, it has some cousins that live in the same formal neighborhood:
In view of: Very similar, often interchangeable.In view ofthe circumstances...Taking into account: A slightly less formal but still professional alternative.Considering: The most common and versatile option, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.In light of: Another formal alternative, often used when new information has appeared.
Real Conversations
This is a phrase for written communication, but you might hear it in a very formal spoken setting.
Setting: A university disciplinary hearing over Zoom.
Professor Smith: "Mr. Jones, we have reviewed your submission."
Mr. Jones: "Thank you, Professor."
Professor Smith: "Having regard to the university's strict policy on plagiarism, and the evidence presented, we have no choice but to fail you for this course."
Mr. Jones: "I understand."
Quick FAQ
- Can I use it in an email to my boss? Yes, if the topic is very serious and formal. Otherwise,
consideringis safer. - Is it old-fashioned? A little, but it's still actively used in legal and academic fields.
- Is it common in American English? It’s more common in British English, but it is understood and used in formal American contexts too.
Usage Notes
This is a very formal expression, almost exclusively used in official writing such as legal documents, academic papers, and government reports. Using it in casual conversation will sound strange and pretentious. Always follow it with a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause.
The Comma Rule
Always follow this phrase with a comma when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader pause and process the context.
Don't Overuse
This phrase is very formal. Using it too often will make your writing sound like a legal document.
Examples
12Having regard to the rising costs of raw materials, we must increase our prices by 5%.
Considering the rising costs of raw materials, we must increase our prices by 5%.
This phrase introduces the reason for the price increase in a formal and official manner.
The court, having regard to the defendant's previous good character, imposed a lighter sentence.
The court, taking into account the defendant's previous good character, imposed a lighter sentence.
Here, it specifies a factor that the judge was required to consider in the decision.
Having regard to the limitations of the data set, the conclusions should be considered preliminary.
Considering the limitations of the data set, the conclusions should be considered preliminary.
Used in academic writing to qualify a statement by pointing out a constraint.
✗ Having regard to the fact that I'm hungry, let's order now. → ✓ I'm starving, let's order now!
Considering I'm hungry, let's order now.
This is a classic mistake. The phrase is far too formal for a casual text message.
Having regard to recent security breaches, the company is implementing a new password policy.
Considering the recent security breaches, the company is implementing a new password policy.
A suitable, professional way to introduce the justification for a new company-wide rule.
A great project outcome! Having regard to the tight deadline, I'm proud of what our team achieved.
A great project outcome! Considering the tight deadline, I'm proud of what our team achieved.
On a professional network like LinkedIn, this phrase can work if the tone is serious and reflective.
✗ Having regards to the video quality, this is great content. → ✓ Having regard to the video quality, this is great content.
Considering the video quality, this is great content.
A common error is to make 'regard' plural. It is always 'having regard to'.
Having regard to the main character's sacrifices, the ending was truly heartbreaking.
Considering the main character's sacrifices, the ending was truly heartbreaking.
While a bit formal, it can be used to express a carefully considered emotional reaction.
Sir, having regard to the pile of dishes in the sink, I hereby formally request your immediate attention to this domestic crisis.
Dude, considering the pile of dishes in the sink, please do them now.
This is a sarcastic use of the phrase, using its formality to create a joke.
New travel guidelines will be issued, having regard to public health and safety.
New travel guidelines will be issued, taking into account public health and safety.
This is a perfect example of its use in official government communications.
Having regard to our current budget constraints, we are unable to approve your request for new equipment at this time.
Considering our current budget constraints, we can't approve your request for new equipment right now.
It softens the refusal by providing a formal, non-negotiable reason upfront.
The motion was passed, having regard to the strong support from the marketing department.
The motion was passed, considering the strong support from the marketing department.
Used in official records to document the basis of a decision.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
Having regard ___ the evidence, the case was dismissed.
The phrase is fixed as 'having regard to'.
Choose the most formal sentence.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a legal report?
This is the most formal and appropriate for legal documentation.
Complete the sentence.
Manager: 'We need to cut costs.' Employee: '______, we should reduce travel expenses.'
The phrase must be followed by a noun phrase.
Match the situation to the phrase usage.
Which situation is best for 'Having regard to'?
The phrase is strictly formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHaving regard ___ the evidence, the case was dismissed.
The phrase is fixed as 'having regard to'.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a legal report?
This is the most formal and appropriate for legal documentation.
Manager: 'We need to cut costs.' Employee: '______, we should reduce travel expenses.'
The phrase must be followed by a noun phrase.
Which situation is best for 'Having regard to'?
The phrase is strictly formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsOnly if the email is very formal or about a serious decision. Otherwise, use 'considering'.
No. 'Regarding' means 'about'. 'Having regard to' means 'considering'.
It comes from legal language where precision and formality are required.
Related Phrases
With regard to
similarConcerning or about.
In view of
synonymConsidering.
Taking into account
synonymConsidering.
Given
synonymConsidering.
