A2 noun 3 min read

~에 관계없이

Regardless of means that something will happen or be true even if other things change.

-e gwangye-eopsi
Practice it

Explanation at your level:

You use 'regardless of' when you want to say something is true even if something else changes. For example, 'I will play outside regardless of the rain.' It means the rain does not stop me from playing. It is like saying 'it does not matter.'

This phrase is useful when you want to show that a choice is not affected by a specific thing. If you say, 'I will go to the party regardless of the time,' you mean you will go even if it is late. It helps you explain your plans clearly to your friends.

At this level, you can use 'regardless of' to sound more formal in your writing. It is a great alternative to 'no matter what.' You can use it to talk about rules or general truths, like 'The law applies to everyone, regardless of their background.' It helps you sound more objective.

Using 'regardless of' allows you to express nuance in your arguments. It shows that you have considered a factor but decided it is not significant enough to change your position. It is commonly used in professional reports and debates to show that you are considering the 'big picture' rather than getting stuck on small details.

In advanced English, 'regardless of' functions as a logical connector that establishes a condition of indifference. It is frequently used in academic and legal contexts to define scope. For example, 'The policy covers all employees, regardless of their contract status.' It signals to the reader that the following clause is the only one that truly dictates the outcome, effectively neutralizing any potential counter-arguments.

At the mastery level, 'regardless of' is understood as a tool for rhetorical emphasis. It is often employed to dismiss potential objections preemptively. By stating a fact 'regardless of' a specific variable, you are asserting that the variable is irrelevant to the truth of your statement. This is a hallmark of precise, analytical writing found in literature and philosophy, where the distinction between what matters and what is incidental is crucial for the reader's understanding.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'without being affected by'.
  • Always followed by 'of'.
  • Used to show determination.
  • Formal but common in daily speech.

Hey there! Think of regardless of as a way to say 'it doesn't matter' in a more professional or descriptive way. When you use this phrase, you are telling the listener that a specific condition or fact won't change the outcome of what you're talking about.

It’s a super handy tool for showing that you are focused on the main goal, regardless of any distractions or minor details. Whether you are talking about the weather, someone's opinion, or a set of rules, this phrase helps you stay clear and decisive in your communication.

The word regard comes from the Old French regarder, meaning 'to look at' or 'to gaze.' When we add the suffix -less, we get regardless, which literally means 'without looking at' or 'without paying attention to.'

Historically, the phrase regardless of evolved to mean that you are not 'looking at' or considering a specific factor when making a judgment. It has been a staple in English since the 17th century, helping writers and speakers express that something happens irrespective of external forces. It’s a classic example of how a simple root word can grow into a powerful logical connector.

You will see this phrase everywhere, from formal business emails to casual conversations. It is most commonly followed by a noun or a noun phrase, such as regardless of the cost or regardless of the outcome.

In formal settings, it sounds professional and objective. In casual speech, it’s a great way to show you are determined. Just remember that it is a prepositional phrase, so it usually needs an object to complete the thought. Using it correctly helps you sound much more sophisticated and logical in your daily English!

While 'regardless of' is a phrase itself, it is often used alongside these expressions:

  • Come what may: Meaning no matter what happens, often used with 'regardless of'.
  • No matter what: A simpler, more casual synonym.
  • In any case: Used to summarize that a result is fixed.
  • For better or worse: Often used to describe a decision made regardless of the outcome.
  • At any rate: Used to move the conversation forward regardless of previous points.

Pronounced as /rɪˈɡɑːrdləs əv/, the stress is on the second syllable of 'regardless'. It acts as a preposition, meaning it should be followed by a noun, pronoun, or a gerund phrase (e.g., regardless of winning).

Common rhyming words include heartless, startless, and partless. Remember, it is a single unit of thought, so don't break it up with commas unless it starts the sentence. It is a very stable phrase that doesn't change its form, so you don't have to worry about plurals or verb conjugations!

Fun Fact

The word 'irregardless' is a famous non-standard word that many people use by mistake!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɪˈɡɑːd.ləs əv/

Clear 'r' sounds, soft 'd'.

US /rɪˈɡɑːrd.ləs əv/

Stronger 'r' sounds throughout.

Common Errors

  • Mispronouncing the 'less' as 'les'
  • Adding a 't' sound at the end
  • Slurring 'of' into 'a'

Rhymes With

heartless startless artless partless chartless

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

easy to understand

Writing 2/5

simple structure

Speaking 2/5

very useful for fluency

Listening 2/5

commonly heard

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

because but although

Learn Next

nonetheless notwithstanding irrespective

Advanced

prepositional phrases

Grammar to Know

Prepositional Phrases

regardless of + noun

Concessive Clauses

even though

Formal connectors

nevertheless

Examples by Level

1

I will go regardless of the weather.

weather doesn't matter

prepositional phrase

2

He plays regardless of the score.

score doesn't matter

simple present

3

We eat regardless of the time.

time is not important

noun follows

4

I like it regardless of the price.

price is not important

noun follows

5

She runs regardless of the cold.

cold is not important

noun follows

6

They work regardless of the day.

day is not important

noun follows

7

I study regardless of the noise.

noise is not important

noun follows

8

He smiles regardless of the mood.

mood is not important

noun follows

1

I will finish the book regardless of how long it takes.

2

She is happy regardless of what people say.

3

We must follow the rules regardless of our feelings.

4

He keeps trying regardless of his past mistakes.

5

They are friends regardless of their different jobs.

6

The store is open regardless of the holiday.

7

I will help you regardless of the situation.

8

She wins regardless of the competition.

1

The rules apply to everyone, regardless of age.

2

He made the decision regardless of the risks involved.

3

We should be kind regardless of our differences.

4

The software works regardless of your operating system.

5

She succeeded regardless of the lack of support.

6

I will be there regardless of the traffic.

7

The project continues regardless of the budget cuts.

8

They are equal regardless of their status.

1

Regardless of the outcome, we must remain professional.

2

The outcome is guaranteed regardless of your input.

3

He insisted on going regardless of the warnings.

4

Regardless of how you feel, the facts remain the same.

5

The company is growing regardless of the economy.

6

She was determined to succeed regardless of the obstacles.

7

Regardless of the complexity, we will find a solution.

8

They were treated fairly regardless of their past.

1

Regardless of the inherent risks, the mission proceeded.

2

The law is absolute, regardless of individual circumstances.

3

Regardless of the theoretical debate, the data is clear.

4

He remained calm regardless of the chaotic environment.

5

Regardless of the cultural context, human nature is similar.

6

The artist created regardless of public opinion.

7

Regardless of the political climate, the project moved forward.

8

She spoke with authority, regardless of her lack of experience.

1

Regardless of the philosophical implications, the math holds.

2

The structure remains, regardless of the passage of time.

3

Regardless of the myriad of opinions, the truth is singular.

4

He acted regardless of the potential for social ostracization.

5

Regardless of the superficial aesthetic, the core is functional.

6

The legacy endures regardless of the historical revisionism.

7

Regardless of the complexity of the variables, the result is fixed.

8

She navigated the crisis regardless of the prevailing uncertainty.

Common Collocations

regardless of the cost
regardless of the outcome
regardless of age
regardless of gender
regardless of background
regardless of the situation
regardless of how
regardless of what
regardless of whether
regardless of race

Idioms & Expressions

"come what may"

no matter what happens

I will be there, come what may.

literary

"no matter what"

regardless of anything

I love you no matter what.

casual

"at any rate"

in any case

At any rate, we should leave now.

neutral

"in any event"

regardless of the situation

In any event, the meeting is canceled.

formal

"come hell or high water"

determined to do something despite obstacles

I'll finish this project, come hell or high water.

idiomatic

"for better or worse"

regardless of the outcome

For better or worse, we are moving.

neutral

Easily Confused

~에 관계없이 vs despite

similar meaning

despite does not take 'of'

Despite the rain vs Regardless of the rain.

~에 관계없이 vs in spite of

similar meaning

in spite of is three words

In spite of the rain.

~에 관계없이 vs irrespective

same meaning

irrespective is more formal

Irrespective of the cost.

~에 관계없이 vs nonetheless

similar function

nonetheless is an adverb

It was cold; nonetheless, he went.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Subject + verb + regardless of + noun

I will study regardless of the noise.

B1

Regardless of + noun, + clause

Regardless of the cost, we must buy it.

B2

Subject + verb + regardless of + whether

I'll go regardless of whether you come.

B2

Subject + verb + regardless of + how

I'll do it regardless of how hard it is.

C1

Subject + verb + regardless of + what

He stays calm regardless of what happens.

Word Family

Nouns

regard attention or consideration

Verbs

regard to consider

Adjectives

regardless without regard

Related

disregard opposite meaning

How to Use It

frequency

9

Formality Scale

irrespective of regardless of no matter what anyway

Common Mistakes

regardless of to → regardless of
The word 'to' is not needed.
irregardless → regardless
'Irregardless' is considered non-standard and redundant.
regardless of that → regardless of
Usually followed by a noun, not 'that' alone.
regardless to → regardless of
The preposition is always 'of'.
regardless of if → regardless of whether
Use 'whether' for better grammar.

Tips

💡

Memory Palace Trick

Imagine a shield that blocks out 'regards' (opinions).

💡

When Native Speakers Use It

When they want to show they are not changing their mind.

🌍

Cultural Insight

It reflects a value of being 'unbothered' by obstacles.

💡

Grammar Shortcut

Always check for 'of' after regardless.

💡

Say It Right

Focus on the 'less' sound.

💡

Don't Make This Mistake

Never say 'irregardless'.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the most common ways to show independence.

💡

Study Smart

Use it to connect your opinions to your actions.

💡

Better Writing

Use it to show you are logical.

💡

Sound Natural

Use it when explaining your choices.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Re-guard-less: You don't need a guard because you don't care about the outcome.

Visual Association

A person walking through a storm with an umbrella, not looking at the rain.

Word Web

persistence indifference determination outcome

Challenge

Write 5 sentences using 'regardless of' about your daily goals.

Word Origin

English

Original meaning: Without looking at

Cultural Context

None, it is a neutral logical connector.

Used frequently in legal, political, and casual contexts to show firmness.

Used in many motivational speeches Common in song lyrics about resilience

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

at work

  • regardless of the deadline
  • regardless of the feedback
  • regardless of the budget

in school

  • regardless of the grade
  • regardless of the difficulty
  • regardless of the subject

travel

  • regardless of the flight time
  • regardless of the weather
  • regardless of the distance

daily life

  • regardless of the time
  • regardless of the mood
  • regardless of the plan

Conversation Starters

"Do you think people should be treated the same regardless of their background?"

"Can you finish a project regardless of the pressure?"

"Is it possible to be happy regardless of your situation?"

"Do you follow rules regardless of whether you agree with them?"

"Would you move to a new city regardless of the cost?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you succeeded regardless of the challenges.

Describe a decision you made regardless of others' opinions.

What is one thing you believe in regardless of what people say?

How do you stay focused regardless of distractions?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

Yes, usually at the end of a sentence.

It is neutral and works in almost any situation.

'Despite' needs 'of' or is used as a preposition, 'regardless' always needs 'of'.

Yes, it is very common.

No, 'although' introduces a clause, 'regardless of' introduces a noun.

It is a common mistake mixing 'regardless' and 'irrespective'.

It means 'without considering'.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

I will go ___ the rain.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: regardless of

The correct phrase is 'regardless of'.

multiple choice A2

Which sentence is correct?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: I like it regardless of price.

Always use 'of'.

true false B1

Is 'irregardless' a standard word?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

It is non-standard.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These are synonyms.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

I will go regardless of the rain.

Score: /5

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