The terms "with respect to" and "in respect of" are very similar and essentially mean the same thing: "concerning" or "regarding." However, "in respect of" is less common than "with respect to."
Detailed Comparison
Here's a breakdown of their usage and differences, incorporating information from the provided reference:
| Feature | With Respect To | In Respect Of |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Concerning, regarding, about | Concerning, regarding, about |
| Usage | More common in modern English | Less common, more formal feel |
| Interchangeability | Generally interchangeable with "in respect of" | Generally interchangeable with "with respect to" |
| Synonyms | With regard to, in regard to, as regards, in reference to | With respect to, with regard to, in regard to, as regards, in reference to |
Examples
The provided reference clarifies that 'in respect of' means the same thing as 'with respect to', 'with regard to,' 'in regard to,' 'as regards' and 'in reference to,' namely 'concerning.' Let's illustrate this with examples:
- With respect to your inquiry: This means "concerning your inquiry."
- In respect of your inquiry: This also means "concerning your inquiry" but is less frequently used.
Consider these further examples:
- With Respect to: "We need to discuss the budget with respect to next year's projects."
- In Respect Of: " In respect of the changes in the law, we must update our policies."
- With Regard to: " With regard to the new proposal, we need more data."
- As Regards: "As regards your recent email, the requested information is attached."
- In Reference to: "In reference to your questions, I will respond by the end of the week."
Usage Nuances
While the meanings are practically the same, some subtle differences in usage exist:
- Formality: "In respect of" sometimes feels more formal than "with respect to". You might see "in respect of" more frequently in legal or official documents.
- Prevalence: "With respect to" is used far more often in general conversation and writing.
- Alternatives: Many alternatives exist that function similarly to both terms, as noted in the reference: with regard to, in regard to, as regards, and in reference to. These options provide flexibility in language choice.
Conclusion
In summary, "with respect to" and "in respect of" essentially mean the same thing—concerning or regarding. The key difference lies in their usage frequency, with "with respect to" being significantly more common in modern English, while "in respect of" is less common and may appear more formal. Choosing one over the other often comes down to personal style or the specific context.
