When should I use 'about', 'on', or 'regarding' in formal vs. informal writing?
I'm writing an email to my professor and I'm not sure which preposition sounds best. Should I say, "I have a question about the assignment," "I have a question regarding the assignment," or "I have a question on the assignment"?
Sometimes I see these words used interchangeably, but I'm wondering if there are any rules or formal/informal differences. For example, is one of them more appropriate for academic or professional contexts? I want to make sure my email sounds polite and correct. Thanks for your help!
Context:
Academic English; formal email to a professor.
What to Know
| What to Know | Why It Matters | Example | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Regarding' — More formal, often used in professional or academic contexts where you want a polished tone. | In formal academic writing, choosing between 'about,' 'on,' and 'regarding' often depends on the level of formality and the specificity you want to convey. | 'Regarding' — More formal, often used in professional or academic contexts where you want a polished tone. | Does "'about'" match my intended meaning and tone here? |
| Avoid "'about'" in literal contexts or when the intended meaning is unclear. | This keeps the idiom natural and avoids overly literal wording. | In literal situations, use direct wording instead of the idiom. | Would this idiom sound natural to a native speaker in this exact context? |
3 Answers
In formal academic writing, choosing between 'about,' 'on,' and 'regarding' often depends on the level of formality and the specificity you want to convey. Here’s a reusable pattern to guide your choice:
- 'About' — Most general, suitable for both formal and informal messages. Can sound slightly less formal, but always clear.
- Example: I have a question about the assignment.
- 'Regarding' — More formal, often used in professional or academic contexts where you want a polished tone.
- Example: I have a question regarding the assignment.
- 'On' — Often used for lectures or topics, sometimes less natural for questions and can sound a bit awkward in certain contexts.
- Example: I have a question on the assignment.
- Correction: In most academic emails, 'about' or 'regarding' is preferred over 'on.'
Practice: Write two sentences to your professor: one using 'about,' the other using 'regarding.' Compare the tone. Which feels more appropriate for your situation?
Correction tip: If your sentence feels too casual, swap 'about' for 'regarding' to boost formality.
Let's compare how 'about,' 'regarding,' and 'on' function differently in a formal academic email.
- 'About' is common and acceptable in both informal and semi-formal writing. It is clear and direct:
- Example: I have a question about tomorrow's assignment.
- 'Regarding' is specifically formal. It signals professionalism and clarity:
- Example: I have a question regarding tomorrow's assignment.
- 'On' can sometimes be awkward in questions, especially in American English, although you'll see it with topics or subjects:
- Example: I have a question on tomorrow's assignment. (Less natural; clearer when used as: The lecture on statistics was helpful.)
Try this: Draft two versions of your question using 'about' and 'regarding.' Read them aloud. Which sounds most professional? Cross-check by searching for email templates from your university.
Correction tip: If you're unsure, default to 'regarding' for the most formal impression in academia.
Each word fits differently depending on the formality of your writing and the context:
- Use 'about' in academic or professional emails when clarity is more important than formality. It's friendly and suitable for most interactions.
- Example: Could I ask a question about the upcoming exam?
- Use 'regarding' when you want a more formal, business-like tone. It's ideal for initial contacts or sensitive topics.
- Example: I have an inquiry regarding the grading criteria.
- Use 'on' mainly for topics or presentations (e.g., 'a lecture on linguistics'), not for simple questions. In questions, 'on' can sound awkward.
- Correction: Say I have a question about the syllabus instead of a question on the syllabus.
Practice prompt: Substitute the preposition in your question to match the tone you want. Which feels more suitable for a professor? Try writing:
- I'd like more information [about/regarding] the reading list.
Self-edit tip: If it sounds too formal or stiff, tone down to 'about.' If it feels casual, upgrade to 'regarding.'
Want to answer this question? Log in or create an account.