Irregardless vs Regardless: What’s the Difference? Simple Guide with Examples

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Irregardless and regardless look like a simple pair, but one of them is not standard English at all. People use “irregardless” every day, yet most dictionaries call it nonstandard and most teachers mark it wrong. The correct word is regardless. This simple guide will explain why, with easy examples, a memory trick, and a mini quiz.

Split flat vector illustration: a large red cross over the word irregardless on the left and a green tick beside the word regardless on the right

What Is the Simple Difference?

The simple difference is this: regardless is the correct, standard word meaning “without regard to” or “in spite of everything”. Irregardless is a nonstandard word that some people use to mean the same thing, but it is a double negative — “ir-” (not) plus “-less” (without) — and careful writers and examiners do not accept it. So always use regardless.

Irregardless: The Nonstandard Word

Irregardless (pronounced “ir-ih-GAHRD-luhs”) is a word people created by mixing “irrespective” and “regardless”. It is listed in some dictionaries, but only as nonstandard or informal. In formal writing, exams, and job applications, it is considered a mistake.

  • He went out irregardless of the rain. (Nonstandard — avoid this.)
  • She will come irregardless of what they say. (Nonstandard — avoid this.)
  • Many people say irregardless, but it is not correct English.

Regardless: The Correct Word

Regardless (pronounced “rih-GAHRD-luhs”) is an adverb meaning “in spite of everything” or “without considering the problems”. It is the standard word to use in every situation.

  • He went out regardless of the rain.
  • She will succeed regardless of the difficulties.
  • We must finish the work regardless of the cost.
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The Easy Trick to Remember

  • “Irregardless” has two negatives — “ir-” means “not” and “-less” means “without”. Two negatives make it wrong, like saying “I do not have no money.”
  • Drop the “ir-“ — if you remove the first two letters from “irregardless”, you get the correct word “regardless”.
  • Use “irrespective” if you want the “ir-“ — “irrespective of the rain” is correct, because “irrespective” is a real word.
  • Say it as a rhyme: “If you want to be right, drop the ir- and use regardless day and night.”

Example Pairs

  • Nonstandard: He stayed irregardless of the danger. / Correct: He stayed regardless of the danger.
  • Nonstandard: We will go irregardless of the weather. / Correct: We will go regardless of the weather.
  • Nonstandard: She helps everyone irregardless of who they are. / Correct: She helps everyone regardless of who they are.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong: I will come irregardless of the traffic.
Right: I will come regardless of the traffic.

Wrong: He passed the exam irregardless of his illness.
Right: He passed the exam regardless of his illness.

Wrong: Irregardless of the cost, buy the best one.
Right: Regardless of the cost, buy the best one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “irregardless” a real word? It appears in some dictionaries, but only labelled “nonstandard”. That means people say it, but it is not accepted in correct English.

Why is “irregardless” wrong? Because it combines two negatives: “ir-” (not) and “-less” (without). The meaning would be “not without regard”, which is the opposite of what people mean.

Can I use “irregardless” in casual speech? People will understand you, but it can make you sound careless in a job interview, an exam, or a formal email. Use “regardless” or “irrespective” instead.

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Flat vector illustration of a student writing regardless correctly on a chalkboard while a teacher points to a green tick

Mini Quiz: Test Yourself

  • 1. We will finish the job ___ of the problems.
  • 2. Which word is nonstandard: regardless or ___?
  • 3. She came to class ___ of the heavy rain.
  • 4. “Irregardless” is wrong because it has two ___.
  • 5. He will help you ___ of the cost.

Answers: 1. regardless, 2. irregardless, 3. regardless, 4. negatives, 5. regardless.

Flat vector memory scene: a word with the letters ir crossed out in red on one side and the clean word regardless with a tick on the other

Quick Recap

  • Irregardless = nonstandard — a blend of “irrespective” and “regardless”; avoid it in correct English (think: two negatives).
  • Regardless = the correct standard word meaning “in spite of everything” (think: drop the “ir-“).
  • If you want a word starting with “ir-“, use “irrespective” instead.
  • Exams, teachers, and formal writing all expect “regardless”.

Conclusion

Now you know the simple difference: irregardless is nonstandard and best avoided, while regardless is the correct word for “in spite of everything”. Keep the memory trick in mind, practice with the example sentences, and you will never make this common mistake again.

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