“When it comes to” is natural in conversation but can sound informal or repetitive in academic, professional, or formal writing. Depending on the sentence, concise alternatives include “regarding,” “concerning,” “with respect to,” and “in relation to.”
Choose the Formal Alternative by Context
- Regarding
- Concerning
- With regard to
- With respect to
- In relation to
- In terms of
- As regards
- In connection with
- In the context of
- On the subject of
- With reference to
- Relating to
- Pertaining to
- In respect of
- When considering
Regarding
A concise general-purpose choice for introducing a topic.
Example: Regarding the budget, no further changes are proposed.
Concerning
Formal and direct, especially when referring to a particular matter or issue.
Example: The report raises several questions concerning data quality.
With regard to
A standard formal phrase meaning “about” or “in relation to.”
Example: With regard to staffing, the current arrangement will continue.
With respect to
Common in formal, technical, legal, and academic writing.
Example: The groups differed with respect to baseline characteristics.
In relation to
Useful when discussing how something connects to a particular topic or issue.
Example: The guidance has been updated in relation to remote working.
In terms of
Best when you are specifying the aspect, criterion, or dimension being considered.
Example: The two options are similar in terms of cost.
As regards
Formal and somewhat traditional, but still useful in business and administrative writing.
Example: As regards delivery, the supplier has confirmed the original date.
In connection with
Works when one matter is linked to another event, request, or issue.
Example: We are writing in connection with your recent application.
In the context of
Useful when the topic is being considered within a particular setting or set of circumstances.
Example: The finding is especially important in the context of primary care.
On the subject of
A clear transition when moving explicitly to a new topic.
Example: On the subject of training, three sessions have been scheduled.
With reference to
Formal correspondence wording for referring back to a document, request, or earlier communication.
Example: With reference to your email of 4 September, the payment has now been processed.
Relating to
Concise wording for information, rules, or issues connected with a topic.
Example: The appendix contains documents relating to the appeal.
Pertaining to
More formal than “relating to” and useful in legal, administrative, or technical contexts.
Example: Records pertaining to the case must be retained.
In respect of
Formal wording common in legal, financial, and British administrative English.
Example: No additional fee is payable in respect of this service.
When considering
A useful rewrite when the sentence is about evaluating a particular factor rather than merely introducing a topic.
Example: When considering cost, the longer contract offers better value.
The Shortest Option Is Often the Best
In many sentences, “regarding” or “concerning” is clearer than a multiword substitute. Use longer phrases such as “with reference to” or “in the context of” only when they add a specific relationship or emphasis.