ENGLISH
REFERENCE

with respect to sth

prep. phr..
C1 Advanced Oxford

prep. phr.. you use this to show exactly which thing or part of a situation you are talking about.

prep. phr.. a formal prepositional phrase used to specify the exact subject or aspect under consideration; functions as a marker of topical relevance.


SIMPLE

The two cars are similar with respect to speed.

CONTEXTUAL

With respect to your request for a refund, we need to see your original receipt first.

COMPLEX

The report highlights significant disparities between the two regions, particularly with respect to infrastructure development and access to healthcare.

Usage

highly formal and common in business, legal, or academic writing; 'sth' stands for 'something'.

Teaching tip

teach this as a formal alternative to 'about' or 'regarding'; it is useful for students writing academic essays to introduce specific variables.

Pitfall

with respects to the planwith respect to the planthe word 'respect' must be singular in this specific phrase; 'respects' is used in the phrase 'pay one's respects'.

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