regarding the former

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regarding the former" is a perfectly valid English phrase and can be used in written English.
For example, "I have been researching the history of the city, regarding the former its status as a cultural center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Andrews was accused of recruiting improprieties regarding the former Southern California star O. J. Mayo.

The New York Times

Regarding the former, Codron commercially produced early work by Harold Pinter, Christopher Hampton, David Hare, Simon Gray and Tom Stoppard.

The Guardian

The Prime Minister makes a remarkable promise in his speech regarding the former to "ensure that does not happen".

Independent

According to prosecutors, Paterno told the athletic director of the report regarding the former coach, Jerry Sandusky.

The New York Times - Sports

Lord McAlpine, quite correctly, is receiving legal recompense for being subjected to wholly unsubstantiated slurs regarding the former issue.

Independent

Regarding the former, Hume says little more than that sensation "arises in the soul originally from unknown causes".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lawyers representing Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are set to appear in court on Tuesday regarding the former couple's ongoing divorce and restraining order proceedings, which have scandalized Hollywood, splitting celebrities and fans into two warring factions.

The Guardian - Film

Before Fassel met with reporters Saturday to deal with the fallout from Shockey's comments regarding the former Giants coach Bill Parcells, he had to call Dixon to his office for an explanation for his absence.

The New York Times - Sports

The archipelago was the subject of several court cases in the 21st century regarding the former inhabitants' right to return and a proposal for the creation of a protected marine reserve around it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"A pitfall for the unwary is that in Japanese policy-making parlance, 'fighting deflation' does not mean 'targeting inflation,' so a strengthening of rhetoric regarding the former does not necessarily imply embracing the latter," said Paul Sheard, the chief economist at Lehman Brothers in Tokyo.

The New York Times

Regarding the former, in Tampa Dolan merely called upon God to confer blessings on "those yet to be born and on those who are about to see you at the end of this life" and referred in passing to "the sacred and inalienable gift of life".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regarding the former" to clearly indicate you are referring to the first item of two previously mentioned items or concepts. Ensure clarity in your sentence structure to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "regarding the former" when more than two items have been introduced, as it can cause confusion about which item you're referencing. In such cases, consider using more specific identifiers or rephrasing for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regarding the former" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement or clarification about the first of two previously mentioned items. It serves to focus attention and avoid ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regarding the former" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to clarify which of two previously mentioned items is being discussed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly valid. While it appears most commonly in scientific and news-related contexts, its formal tone makes it less suitable for informal conversation. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to use the phrase accurately, especially when more than two items are involved. Consider alternatives like "concerning the former" or "with respect to the former" to slightly alter the formality or emphasis. Remembering these points will help you effectively incorporate "regarding the former" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning the former

Replaces "regarding" with "concerning", offering a slightly more formal tone.

with respect to the former

Adds a level of formality and precision to the reference.

in relation to the former

Highlights the connection or relationship being discussed.

pertaining to the former

Emphasizes the relevance or applicability of the subsequent information.

as regards the former

Offers a slightly archaic but still valid alternative.

relative to the former

Focuses on comparing or contrasting with the previously mentioned item.

in connection with the former

Highlights a direct link or association.

in terms of the former

Specifies that the discussion will be focused on a particular aspect.

on the subject of the former

Clearly indicates the topic being addressed.

with reference to the former

Formally acknowledges a prior mention or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "regarding the former" in a sentence?

"Regarding the former" is used to refer back to the first of two things previously mentioned. For example, "We discussed cats and dogs; regarding the former, they are often considered more independent."

What phrases are similar to "regarding the former"?

Alternatives include "concerning the former", "with respect to the former", or "in relation to the former". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "regarding the former" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "regarding the former" is more suited to formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler phrasing for clarity and naturalness.

What is the difference between "regarding the former" and "regarding the latter"?

"Regarding the former" refers to the first of two things mentioned, while "regarding the latter" refers to the second. Using them correctly ensures clarity and avoids confusion.