regardless

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "regardless" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to show that something will happen or be done despite the circumstances, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "I will take the job, regardless of the pay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The rules are the rules," one Labour adviser said – regardless of the political argument about legitimacy that Cameron may make.

The Guardian

Regardless, though, any individual bettor knows that if he wins, the casino loses, and vice versa.

The Economist

We will not be able to refund you where we did not receive your notice 7 days before the start of the Guardian Masterclass (regardless of when you sent it).

The Guardian

WWF reef campaigner Louise Matthieson said the dredging itself would have "serious impacts, like destroying seagrass beds, regardless of where the spoil is dumped".

The Guardian

However, such is the structure of these sorts of bonuses that they are paid regardless of performance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stuart McCall, who played for the Bantams in those Premier League seasons and had a spell as their permanent manager from 2007 to 2010 after a caretaker stint in 2000, says: "The Chelsea game will go down as the best result regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

I think the experiences shared by these five women are relevant to all of us, regardless of age, industry or job description.

The Guardian

In the meantime, barring a breakthrough in the coming days, "the whole operation may be shutdown regardless" as the May 31 deadline looms closer.

The Guardian

One traditional criticism of Mitchell's approach is that she imposes her trademark style regardless of the original material's intentions.

The Guardian

Privacy International said : "All internet and telephone communications, without meaningful limits, are being collected, stored and analysed by the security and intelligence services, regardless of any grounds for suspicion.

The Guardian

The idea that landlords should be restrained from shoving rents through the roof regardless of their tenants' ability to pay them invariably gets Tories screaming about red dictatorships and the end of the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regardless" to clearly indicate that something remains the same or will happen despite certain conditions. It adds emphasis to the lack of influence of those conditions.

Common error

Be mindful of using "irregardless". While understood, it's often seen as incorrect and redundant. Stick to "regardless" for a more professional and widely accepted form.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "regardless" is to act as an adverbial modifier. It indicates that the action or state being described is not affected by the condition that follows. Ludwig shows many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regardless" is a versatile term used to convey that something remains constant or unaffected by circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent appearance in news and media. While "irregardless" exists, it's best to stick to "regardless" for wider acceptance. Understanding its function as an adverbial modifier is key to using it effectively, and remembering to avoid its non-standard alternatives will improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrespective of

Indicates that something is not affected by a particular factor; more formal.

notwithstanding

Implies that something is true despite something else; highly formal.

despite

Highlights the contrast between two things; more direct.

in spite of

Similar to 'despite', but can imply a degree of defiance.

even if

Introduces a hypothetical situation that doesn't change the outcome.

no matter

Emphasizes that something will happen in any circumstance; often followed by a 'wh-' word.

without regard to

Similar in meaning, focusing on a lack of consideration.

heedless of

Implies a deliberate ignoring of something, often a warning.

irregardless

Nonstandard variant of "regardless", often considered incorrect.

come what may

A more emphatic and somewhat dramatic way of saying 'no matter what happens'.

FAQs

How can I use "regardless" in a sentence?

You can use "regardless" to show that something happens or is true even if something else exists or happens. For example, "I'll finish the project, "regardless of the challenges"."

What's a more formal alternative to "regardless"?

For more formal contexts, consider using "irrespective of" or "notwithstanding". These options add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Is "irregardless" a correct alternative to "regardless"?

While "irregardless" is sometimes used, it's generally considered nonstandard. The preferred and more widely accepted term is "regardless".

How does "despite" differ from "regardless"?

"Despite" and "regardless" are similar, but "despite" emphasizes a contrast, while "regardless" emphasizes a lack of concern or effect. You might say "Despite the rain, we went for a walk", but "We went for a walk, "regardless of the rain"".