How to use "with respect to"

What Does "with respect to" Mean?

• Grammatical function: introduces a specific aspect, viewpoint, or limitation; it functions as a focusing device.
• Typical sentence position: initial or medial
• Register: formal

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: followed by a noun phrase or clause indicating the subject being addressed. Can be followed by a comma, especially at the beginning of a sentence.
• Punctuation rules: A comma usually follows "with respect to" when it begins a sentence. Commas may also be used to set it off mid-sentence.
• Grammatical flexibility: can start a sentence; can be moved within a sentence, though less common. It cannot be directly negated.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it in informal contexts may sound overly formal. It's generally not used at the end of a sentence.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from with respect to on Ludwig.guru.

"With respect to politics." — The New Yorker

"With respect to Russia, likewise." — The Guardian

"With respect to a recount?" — The New York Times

"Let's integrate this with respect to y." — Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"With respect to the first contention." — Cornell University

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/with+respect+to

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
regarding	Neutral; suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
concerning	Slightly more formal than "regarding."
in relation to	Indicates a connection or association.
with regard to	Very similar in meaning and formality.
as for	Introduces a new topic or point.
in terms of	Focuses on a specific aspect or criterion.
relative to	Indicates a comparison or relationship.

Common Mistakes

• Using it in informal conversation can sound stilted.
• Forgetting the comma after "with respect to" when it begins a sentence.
• Learners often confuse "with respect to" with "in respect of" or incorrectly use it interchangeably with phrases like "regarding" or "concerning" without considering the subtle differences in formality and nuance.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
with respect to	Introduces a specific aspect or viewpoint	Formal	Initial or medial

FAQs

Where can "with respect to" be placed in a sentence?

"With respect to" typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce the specific area of focus. It can also appear mid-sentence, though this is less common and may require commas to set it off.

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How does "with respect to" differ from "regarding"?

Both "with respect to" and "regarding" introduce a topic, but "with respect to" is more formal. "Regarding" is generally acceptable in a wider range of contexts, while "with respect to" is preferred in more formal writing or speech.

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Is "in respect of" the same as "with respect to"?

No, "in respect of" and "with respect to" are not interchangeable, though they are similar. "In respect of" often implies admiration or deference, while "with respect to" simply indicates the aspect being considered. It's a common mistake to use them interchangeably, so be mindful of the subtle difference in meaning and formality.