How to Use IRRESPECTIVE OF and REGARDLESS OF in English Writing and Speaking? | IRRESPECTIVE OF and REGARDLESS OF

Use of Irrespective of and Regardless of in English

Both the phrases, Irrespective of and Regardless of have the same meaning. They can be used as an adverb or as a preposition.

Meaning/Explanation of Irrespective of/Regardless of

Without considering something; without regard for something or without taking it into account or Without being affected or influenced by anything else that happens or exists. 

For example, 

1) I'm going to do this irrespective of what people say. I'm going to do this regardless of the weather.

2) I'm going to join that company, regardless of what she thinks.

* Irrespective of/Regardless of means without being affected or influenced by anything. | Not affected by anything | Despite a particular fact, situation, or quality. | Without consideration of | Paying no attention to somebody/something; treating problems and difficulties as unimportant | treating something/somebody as not being important. | Not being affected by something. | Despite what has been said or done. | In spite of everything | In spite of; without regard for; notwithstanding | Without considering something or being influenced by it.

Let's Understand This Well By Taking Some Examples,

1) She always keeps a smile on her face and works actively regardless of the situation. [She always keeps a smile on her face and works actively without thinking too much or without caring about the situation. The situation may be good or bad, but she doesn't care about this. She always keeps a smile on her face and works actively.]

2) He spends money regardless of his income. [He spends money without thinking or caring about his income. He spends too much. It doesn't matter how much his income is. He spends money carelessly.]

3) The legislation must be applied irrespective of someone's ethnic origins.

* If you say that someone did something regardless, you mean that they did it even though there were problems or factors that could have stopped them, or perhaps should have stopped them.

For Example,

Despite her recent surgery, she has been carrying on regardless. [Here Regardless is used as an adverb.]

* If something happens regardless of something else, it is not affected or influenced at all by that other thing.

For example,

1) It takes in anybody regardless of religion, colour, or creed. | Regardless of whether he is right or wrong, we have to abide by his decisions. | They'll do it regardless of the cost.

* If you say that something happens or should happen irrespective of a particular thing, you mean that it is not affected or should not be affected by that thing.

For Example,

1) We believe in investing in our people, irrespective of age. | This service should be available to everybody, irrespective of whether they can afford it.

More Examples

1) Everybody should be treated in the same way irrespective of their age or family background.

2) We should respect everyone, irrespective of their age, caste, gender and profession.

3) Irrespective of religion, caste and profession, everyone can enter this temple.

4) We're going to the exhibition today, irrespective of weather conditions. [We're going to the exhibition without caring about the weather.]

5) All the children are lumped together in one class, regardless of their ability.

6) Regardless of the cost, the building must be completed on time.

7) He was talking nonsense or he went on talking nonsense irrespective of/regardless of others' feelings.

8) The plan for a new office building went ahead regardless of local opposition.

9) She knew it was dangerous to visit him except at night, but set out regardless (of the risk).

10) This job is open to all, regardless of previous experience.

11) The club welcomes all new members regardless of age.

12) He went ahead and did it, regardless of the consequences.

13) The amount will be paid to everyone regardless of whether they have children or not.

14) There must be equality of rights for all citizens, regardless of nationality.

15) We want tax cuts, but regardless, we need to limit expenditures.

16) We'll continue the race, regardless of the weather.

Important Notes

A) The Syntax for Using the Phrases, Irrespective of/Regardless of:

1) Sentence + regardless of/irrespective of + Noun/Noun Phrase/Gerund

Or,

2) Irrespective of/Regardless of + Noun/Noun Phrase/Gerund/ + Sentence

Now Read the following Sentences Very Carefully

1) I'll have to go there regardless of the bad weather. [It doesn't matter what the weather is; I don't care about the bad weather. I must have to go there.]

2) This facility is for everyone regardless of age and sex.

3) You should continue your study regardless of your family condition.

4) Regardless of being insulted, I proposed to her.

5) You can learn English irrespective of age. or Irrespective of age, you can learn English.

6) He argued with his boss, irrespective of losing his job. 

7) She got married to her boyfriend irrespective of her family or parents.

8) The girl eloped with her lover irrespective of what people say about her family.

9) I'm working hard on the project irrespective of whether I'll succeed or not.

10) Anybody can take part in the competition, irrespective of age.

11) The rules apply to everyone, irrespective of how long they have been with the company.

12) Everyone gets the same amount, irrespective of age.

13) The weekly rent is the same irrespective of whether there are three or four occupants.

14) We consider all qualified job applicants, irrespective of sex or age.

15) It's available to all, irrespective of whether they can afford it.

B) Regardless of how/what/why/whether etc:

For Examples,

1) The building work will proceed regardless of whether there is an agreement.

2) Regardless of what you think, I believe she's the best person for the job.

* Regardless of is the synonym of Irrespective of and vice versa.