Regardless of
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to show that a specific detail will not stop your main action or decision.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to say a factor won't change the final result.
- Follow it with a noun or a 'whether' clause.
- Sounds professional, firm, and very clear in speech.
Bedeutung
It means that a specific fact or situation will not change the outcome of what you are doing. It is like saying 'it doesn't matter' or 'no matter what happens,' the main thing stays the same.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Planning a weekend trip with friends
We are going hiking regardless of the weather forecast.
We are going hiking regardless of the weather forecast.
A manager speaking in a deadline meeting
Regardless of the technical issues, the report must be finished today.
Regardless of the technical issues, the report must be finished today.
Texting a friend about a party
I'm coming to your party regardless of how tired I am!
I'm coming to your party regardless of how tired I am!
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase has deep roots in formal English logic and legal writing, dating back hundreds of years. It reflects a Western cultural emphasis on persistence and the idea that rules or goals should apply equally to everyone, no matter their status or situation. In modern times, it is a staple of 'corporate speak' used to maintain focus during complex projects.
The 'Whether' Trick
If you are unsure how to end the sentence, use 'regardless of whether' followed by two options. For example: 'Regardless of whether it rains or shines...'
The 'Irregardless' Trap
Many native speakers say 'irregardless,' but it is technically incorrect. Using 'regardless' makes you sound much more educated and precise.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to say a factor won't change the final result.
- Follow it with a noun or a 'whether' clause.
- Sounds professional, firm, and very clear in speech.
What It Means
Think of regardless of as a sturdy umbrella. It protects your main point from the 'rain' of excuses or external factors. When you use this phrase, you are telling people that a specific detail—like the weather, the cost, or someone's opinion—simply does not matter. It is a way to show determination or to state a universal rule. It bridges the gap between a condition and a result that happens anyway.
How To Use It
You usually place regardless of right before a noun or a noun phrase. You can also follow it with a 'wh-' word like whether, what, or how. For example, you might say, Regardless of the cost, I want that cake. You are essentially setting a boundary. It tells your listener that the cost is secondary to your desire for sugar. It is a very flexible tool for your linguistic belt. Just remember to keep the noun phrase short for the best impact.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you want to sound firm, professional, or very clear. It is perfect for business meetings when discussing deadlines. It works great in emails when you need to ignore minor setbacks. You can even use it in your personal life when making plans that cannot be canceled. It adds a layer of 'no-nonsense' energy to your speech. It makes you sound like someone who has a plan and sticks to it.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in very relaxed, slang-heavy conversations with your closest friends. In those cases, no matter what or anyway sounds much more natural. If you use regardless of while eating chips on the couch, you might sound a bit too much like a textbook. Also, never use it to describe something that *does* actually affect the outcome. If the rain stops the game, you cannot say the game happened regardless of the rain. That would just be confusing!
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in professional cultures like the US or UK, value efficiency and logic. Regardless of is a linguistic shortcut to show that you are focusing on the goal, not the obstacles. It became very popular in legal and academic writing because it is precise. It helps people avoid long, messy explanations about why certain things were ignored. It is the verbal equivalent of a 'keep calm and carry on' attitude.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say irregardless. Warning: this is a linguistic trap! Most English teachers and grammar lovers hate this word. Stick to regardless to stay safe. Other common cousins include no matter, despite, and notwithstanding. Each has a slightly different flavor, but regardless of remains the king of formal clarity. Use it wisely and you will sound like a pro.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is highly versatile, sitting comfortably between neutral and formal registers. While it is a staple of academic writing, it is frequently used in spoken English to show resolve. Avoid 'irregardless' in all professional contexts.
The 'Whether' Trick
If you are unsure how to end the sentence, use 'regardless of whether' followed by two options. For example: 'Regardless of whether it rains or shines...'
The 'Irregardless' Trap
Many native speakers say 'irregardless,' but it is technically incorrect. Using 'regardless' makes you sound much more educated and precise.
The 'No Excuses' Culture
In English-speaking workplaces, this phrase is often used to shut down excuses politely. It signals that the speaker only cares about the result.
Beispiele
6We are going hiking regardless of the weather forecast.
We are going hiking regardless of the weather forecast.
Shows the plan is fixed and the weather won't stop them.
Regardless of the technical issues, the report must be finished today.
Regardless of the technical issues, the report must be finished today.
Sets a firm professional expectation despite obstacles.
I'm coming to your party regardless of how tired I am!
I'm coming to your party regardless of how tired I am!
Uses a 'how' clause to show commitment to a friend.
Regardless of my doctor's advice, I'm having a second donut.
Regardless of my doctor's advice, I'm having a second donut.
Uses a formal phrase for a silly, relatable situation.
I will always love you, regardless of the mistakes you make.
I will always love you, regardless of the mistakes you make.
Expresses unconditional support and deep emotion.
The movie was great, regardless of the bad reviews it received.
The movie was great, regardless of the bad reviews it received.
Evaluates something based on personal experience rather than outside opinions.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a business decision.
The company decided to launch the product ___ the high production costs.
The sentence implies the high costs did not stop the launch, which is exactly what 'regardless of' expresses.
Complete the sentence to show a firm commitment to a friend.
I will be there to help you move, ___ how early it is.
Using 'regardless of' shows that the early time doesn't matter; the help is guaranteed.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'Regardless of'
Used with close friends for emphasis.
I'm going regardless!
Standard daily use in shops or offices.
Regardless of the price, I'll take it.
Used in academic papers or legal contracts.
Regardless of prior agreements, this stands.
High-level diplomacy or complex literature.
Regardless of geopolitical shifts, peace remains the goal.
When to use 'Regardless of'
Bad Weather
Running the marathon regardless of rain.
High Prices
Buying the shoes regardless of the cost.
Social Pressure
Dancing regardless of who is watching.
Work Deadlines
Finishing the task regardless of the time.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
11 FragenIt means that a particular factor or situation has no influence on the outcome. For example, Regardless of the noise, I slept well means the noise didn't stop me from sleeping.
Not necessarily! You can use it to sound dramatic or firm with friends, like I'm coming over regardless of the traffic.
Yes, you can use it as an adverb. For example: It was raining, but we went for a walk regardless.
They mean the same thing, but irregardless is considered non-standard and incorrect by most experts. Always use regardless to be safe.
Despite usually refers to something that is already happening, while regardless of often refers to potential conditions. Despite the rain (it is raining) vs Regardless of the weather (it might rain).
Absolutely. It is a perfect 'C1 level' discourse marker for connecting ideas and showing that a variable doesn't change a conclusion.
If you are following it with a noun, yes, you need of. If you use it alone at the end of a sentence, you don't need of.
No, it is neutral. It can be used for positive things, like Regardless of my busy schedule, I always find time for you.
Common synonyms include no matter, notwithstanding, and heedless of. No matter is the most common casual alternative.
Yes! Regardless of the outcome, we should be proud of our hard work. is a great way to start a sentence.
Yes, it is used throughout the English-speaking world, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
Verwandte Redewendungen
No matter what
A more casual way to say that something will happen in any condition.
In spite of
Used to show that something happened even though there was an obstacle.
Come rain or shine
An idiom meaning something will happen regardless of the weather or circumstances.
At all costs
To do something regardless of the effort or money required.
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