Regardless of vs. Regardless if vs. Regardless of if: The Complete Grammar Guide

Language can be a tricky thing, even for native speakers. One of the most common grammatical mix-ups in English involves the phrases “regardless of,” “regardless if,” and “regardless of if.” You’ve probably seen all three used in conversation, emails, or even online articles. But which one is actually correct? And why do people keep confusing them?

Understanding the difference isn’t just about sounding smart—it’s about communicating clearly and confidently. Whether you’re writing a business proposal, crafting an academic paper, or posting on social media, knowing the right form of “regardless” helps you sound polished and professional.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything about these confusing phrases. You’ll learn their correct usage, how to spot errors, and simple tricks to remember the difference. Along the way, you’ll find examples, tables, and even a short quiz to test your understanding.

So, if you’ve ever hesitated before typing “regardless of” or “regardless if,” this article is your one-stop grammar resource. Let’s clear the confusion once and for all.

What Does “Regardless” Mean?

Before diving into comparisons, it’s essential to understand the root word: “regardless.”

The word regardless means “without paying attention to” or “in spite of current circumstances.” It comes from “regard” (meaning to consider or pay attention to) plus the suffix “-less,” which means “without.” So literally, regardless means without regard.

Part of Speech

• Adverb: Used to describe how something happens — He continued regardless.
• Adjective (less common): Used to describe something done without care or concern — A regardless attitude.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

So when “regardless” is followed by “of,” it becomes a prepositional phrase — regardless of — meaning “despite” or “without being affected by.”

“Regardless of” — The Correct and Standard Usage

Among the three phrases, “regardless of” is the only one that’s grammatically correct and universally accepted in both spoken and written English. It’s used to show that something happens despite certain circumstances or influences.

Meaning

“Regardless of” means “without being affected or influenced by something.”

Grammatical Structure

It’s formed by:

• Regardless (adjective/adverb)
• of (preposition)

Together, they create a phrase that modifies verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses.

Examples

• She attended the meeting regardless of her busy schedule.
•  He decided to run, regardless of the rain.
•  We’ll move forward regardless of what others think.

In each example, “regardless of” introduces a noun phrase — “her busy schedule,” “the rain,” “what others think.” It connects the action to something being disregarded.

When to Use “Regardless of”

Use “regardless of” when you want to:

• Emphasize independence from a condition.
• Show that something happens in spite of obstacles or influences.
• Replace “despite,” “in spite of,” or “no matter.”

For example:

Regardless of the outcome, we gave our best effort.

Common Contexts

• Formal writing: reports, essays, academic papers.
• Informal speech: storytelling, emails, conversations.
• Business writing: “Regardless of budget constraints, we must deliver quality.”

Visual Example

Here’s a diagram showing its sentence structure:

Subject → Verb → regardless of + noun phrase
Example: She succeeded regardless of the challenges.

“Regardless if” — Often Used but Grammatically Incorrect

Now let’s address the tricky one: “regardless if.”

You might hear someone say:

I’ll go regardless if it rains.

It sounds fine in casual speech, right? But grammatically, it’s incorrect in formal English.

Why It’s Incorrect

“Regardless” already implies “without considering.”
Adding “if” introduces a conditional clause — but the sentence already expresses a condition. The two don’t mix logically.

Instead, use either

• “Regardless of whether…”, or
• “Whether or not…”

Examples

• I’ll go regardless if it rains.
• I’ll go regardless of whether it rains.
• I’ll go whether it rains or not.

In professional or academic writing, “regardless if” sounds careless because it ignores grammatical structure.

However…

You may still encounter “regardless if” in casual speech or online forums. It’s a case of language evolution through informality.
While some grammar experts (like Merriam-Webster) note that it’s used informally, major style guides such as The Chicago Manual of Style recommend avoiding it in writing.

Expert Insight

“The phrase ‘regardless if’ appears frequently in speech, but in formal or professional writing, ‘regardless of whether’ remains the standard.” — Grammarly Handbook

So, if you’re writing for clarity or professionalism, stick with “regardless of whether.”

“Regardless of if” — Redundant and Wordy

If “regardless if” is incorrect, what about “regardless of if”?

This phrase looks like an attempt to sound formal but ends up being redundant. The words “of” and “if” don’t logically connect.

Why It’s Redundant

“Regardless of” already functions as a complete phrase. Adding “if” afterward creates repetition of ideas — both express conditional meaning.
In short, it’s like saying “in spite of whether if,” which makes no sense.

Examples

• We’ll finish the project regardless of if we face issues.
• We’ll finish the project regardless of issues.
• We’ll finish the project whether we face issues or not.

Simplify for Clarity

Concise writing improves readability and professionalism. Instead of stacking unnecessary words, aim for clear, direct phrasing.

Bad: Regardless of if he calls, I’ll go.
Good: Whether he calls or not, I’ll go.
Better: I’ll go regardless of his call.

Common Grammar Confusions Related to “Regardless”

Many learners confuse “regardless” with similar expressions. Let’s clear up a few.

1. “Irregardless” vs. “Regardless”

“Irregardless” is a nonstandard word. It appears in dictionaries but is labeled incorrect or informal.
The prefix “ir-” means “not,” so “irregardless” literally means “not without regard,” which is a double negative.

Use “regardless.”
Avoid “irregardless.”

2. “Despite” vs. “Regardless of”

These two can look similar but aren’t always interchangeable.

3. “In spite of” vs. “Regardless of”

They have nearly identical meanings, but “regardless of” feels more neutral and modern.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick summary to help you remember:

Practical Examples in Context

Let’s see how these phrases work in real-world contexts.

Business Writing

We’ll meet our targets regardless of market fluctuations.

 We’ll meet our targets regardless if the market changes.

Academic Writing

The results remain consistent regardless of external factors.
The results remain consistent regardless if there are external factors.

Everyday Conversation

 I’m going to the party regardless of the weather.
I’m going regardless if it rains. (Common but incorrect)

These examples show that “regardless of” maintains professionalism across all contexts.

Tips to Remember the Difference

Here are quick ways to recall which one to use:

Mnemonics

• “Of” = Object → Regardless of + noun/phrase
  Example: Regardless of the delay, we arrived on time.
• “If” = Condition → use whether or not insead.
  Example: Whether it rains or not, we’ll go.

Grammar Trick

If “if” fits after “regardless,” it’s probably wrong.
If “of” fits, you’re correct.

Memory Shortcut

“Regardless of” deals with things.
“Whether” deals with conditions.

Read More:Reside in vs. Reside on vs. Reside at – Which Is Correct?

Common Mistakes in Everyday English

Here are some common mistakes you might see online or in conversation — and how to fix them.

Avoiding these small mistakes makes your writing clear and credible.

Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding

Try this short quiz to see how well you’ve learned!

1. Which sentence is correct?
A. Regardless if he arrives, we’ll start.
B. Regardless of whether he arrives, we’ll start

2. Which phrase is redundant?
A. Regardless if
B. Regardless of if

3. Which of the following is nonstandard?
A. Regardless
B. Irregardless

4. Choose the correct option:
A. I’ll join regardless of the result.
B. I’ll join regardless if the result.

5. Which phrase works in academic writing?
A. Regardless of
B. Regardless if
Answer: A.

Summary: The Key Takeaway

To wrap it up:

• “Regardless of” — Correct and widely accepted.
• “Regardless if” — Informal and discouraged.
• “Regardless of if” — Redundant and ungrammatical.

In short:

Use “regardless of” to show independence from conditions.
Avoid “regardless if” and “regardless of if” for professional writing.

Mastering these small grammar details boosts your credibility, whether you’re a student, writer, or business professional. Clear writing reflects clear thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is “regardless if” grammatically correct?

No. Use “regardless of whether” instead.

Can I say “regardless of if”?

No, it’s redundant. Use either “regardless of” or “whether.”

What’s another way to say “regardless of”?

You can use “despite,” “in spite of,” or “without being affected by.”

Is “irregardless” a real word?

It exists but is nonstandard. Avoid it in writing.

How can I remember which one to use?

If your sentence needs a condition, use whether. If it needs an object, use of.

Conclusion

Language thrives on clarity. Using the right words not only polishes your speech but also builds trust with your readers or listeners.

Next time you write an email, essay, or caption, pause and check: are you saying “regardless of” or mistakenly using “regardless if”?

Remember:

“Regardless of” is the only grammatically correct choice.

Clear, confident grammar sets you apart — regardless of what others may think.

Lily Grace