in respect of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in respect of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase that is often used in written English.
It typically functions as a preposition, followed by a noun, and is used to refer to a particular matter or topic that is being discussed. For example, "The court's ruling was clear in respect of his guilt on the charges".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I mean in respect of flatterers.

The Guardian

In respect of music - highly cultivated; in respect of art - ignorant.

The Guardian - Arts

In respect of David Moyes' case, don't you worry.

The Guardian - Sport

Please find attached the cheque in respect of this offer.

The Guardian - Music

2. The material in respect of 1998 and the U.S.S.

The New York Times

That is the position in respect of weapons.

The Guardian

In respect of golf, it will be pretty understated.

The Guardian - Sport

No SONAR shall be payable in respect of: 4.4.1.

The Guardian

Denmark : Information submitted in respect of Fruit and Vegetables.

Stanford University

I agree with you in respect of this post.

University of California, Berkeley

In respect of men, it was expressed in friendship; in respect of women, there was potentially a sexual element.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in respect of" to clearly signal the specific aspect or topic you are addressing within a broader discussion. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "in respect of" is valid, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "regarding", "concerning", or "in terms of" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in respect of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing the specific subject or aspect under consideration. According to Ludwig, it is used to refer to a particular matter or topic that is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in respect of" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify the topic or aspect being discussed. According to Ludwig, it functions as a preposition followed by a noun to refer to a particular matter or topic. While correct, overusing this phrase can make writing seem stilted; alternatives such as "regarding", "concerning", and "in terms of" can provide stylistic variation. The phrase sees frequent use in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signaling its versatility across different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with regard to

This alternative is very close in meaning and formality, maintaining a similar tone.

in relation to

This indicates a connection or association between different subjects.

as regards

This provides a brief and direct way to introduce the subject.

regarding

This single word offers a more concise substitute, directly indicating the topic under consideration.

with reference to

This phrase is formal and suggests that you are using something as a point of comparison or basis for discussion.

in terms of

This helps to specify the criteria or aspects being considered.

concerning

This word provides a direct and simple way to indicate what the discussion is about.

in connection with

This alternative emphasizes a link or association, often used when discussing events or people involved in something together.

pertaining to

This option is slightly more formal, suggesting a direct relevance or connection.

anent

This is an archaic term that is short and means about or concerning.

FAQs

How can I use "in respect of" in a sentence?

"In respect of" is used to indicate a particular aspect or topic being discussed. For example, "The regulations differ "in respect of" safety standards".

What are some alternatives to "in respect of"?

Alternatives include "regarding", "concerning", "with regard to", "in relation to", and "in terms of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "in respect to" or "in respect of"?

The correct phrase is "in respect of". "In respect to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "of" to maintain proper usage.

What is the difference between "in respect of" and "with respect to"?

"In respect of" and "with respect to" are largely interchangeable and mean nearly the same thing. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation, though "with respect to" might be perceived as slightly more formal.