What Does "regardless" Mean?
- Grammatical function: "Regardless" primarily functions as an adverb or a preposition (when followed by "of"). It expresses a relationship of concession or indifference, indicating that the preceding or following information does not change the outcome or validity of the main statement. It essentially means "without being affected by" or "in spite of everything."
- Typical sentence position: It is highly versatile and can appear in initial, medial, or final positions. As a standalone adverb, it often starts or ends a sentence; as a prepositional phrase ("regardless of..."), it frequently appears in the middle or at the end.
- Register: It is generally considered neutral to formal. It is a staple in journalism, legal writing, and academic discourse, though it is also common in standard spoken English.
How to Use It
- Syntactic patterns: When used to introduce a noun, pronoun, or noun clause, it must be followed by the preposition "of" (e.g., "regardless of the cost"). When used as a sentence connector (an adverb), it often stands alone to mean "anyway" or "nonetheless."
- Punctuation rules: If "regardless" begins a sentence as an adverb, it is typically followed by a comma. When the phrase "regardless of..." is used as a parenthetical insertion in the middle of a sentence, it should be set off by commas or dashes. If it appears at the end of a clause, a comma is often used for clarity but is not always strictly required.
- Grammatical flexibility: It is extremely flexible. It can start a sentence to dismiss previous points, or it can be integrated into the predicate to qualify a specific action. It cannot be negated (e.g., "unregardless" is not a word).
- What sounds unnatural: Using "regardless" without "of" before a noun phrase (e.g., "regardless the weather") is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Additionally, placing it between a verb and its direct object can often disrupt the flow of the sentence.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from regardless on Ludwig.guru.
"Regardless, though, any individual bettor knows that if he wins, the casino loses, and vice versa." — economist.com
"However, such is the structure of these sorts of bonuses that they are paid regardless of performance." — theguardian.com
"I think the experiences shared by these five women are relevant to all of us, regardless of age, industry or job description." — theguardian.com
"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." — theguardian.com
"The new theguardian.com is also responsive across all platforms and devices, providing a clear and consistent user experience regardless of screen size." — theguardian.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/regardless
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| despite |
A preposition used to show contrast; more concise than "regardless of." |
| nevertheless |
A formal adverb used to transition between ideas, meaning "in spite of that." |
| anyway |
More informal; used at the end of a sentence to dismiss previous factors. |
| notwithstanding |
Very formal/legalistic; can function as a preposition or an adverb. |
| irrespective of |
A direct synonym for "regardless of," often used in formal or technical contexts. |
| no matter |
Used with wh-words (e.g., "no matter what") to indicate the same concessive meaning. |
Common Mistakes
- The 'Irregardless' Error: Learners frequently use the non-standard form 'irregardless' or fail to follow it with the preposition 'of' when introducing a noun phrase. "Irregardless" is a double negative and is widely considered incorrect in professional and academic writing.
- Missing Preposition: Using "regardless" as a preposition without "of" (e.g., "regardless the consequences") is a common mistake; always include "of" before a noun.
- Punctuation Oversights: Forgetting to use a comma when "regardless" is used as a sentence-starting adverb can lead to run-on sentences or confusion regarding which clause the word modifies.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| regardless |
Concession / Indifference |
Neutral to Formal |
Initial, Medial, or Final |
FAQs
Can regardless start a sentence or must it always be in the middle?
The word regardless can appear in both positions. When starting a sentence, it acts as a conjunctive adverb and is usually followed by a comma to dismiss previous points. In the middle of a sentence, it typically functions as a prepositional phrase starting with regardless of.
What is the difference between regardless and despite?
While both express concession, regardless of suggests that the following factor is irrelevant or will not be considered. In contrast, despite suggests that an obstacle exists but was overcome. Use regardless to emphasize indifference and despite to emphasize a surprising outcome.
Is it ever correct to use the word irregardless?
No, learners frequently use the non-standard form irregardless or fail to follow it with the preposition of when introducing a noun phrase. Irregardless is considered a redundant error because the prefix "ir-" and suffix "-less" both imply negation; you should always use the standard term regardless.