What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irrespective
Example
Irrespective of the weather, we will go on our picnic tomorrow. [irrespective: preposition]
Example
The company will hire the best candidate irrespective of their age or gender. [irrespective: adverb]
regardless
Example
I will attend the party regardless of my busy schedule. [regardless: preposition]
Example
She continued to work hard regardless of the obstacles she faced. [regardless: conjunction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Regardless is more commonly used than irrespective in everyday language. Regardless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while irrespective is less common and more often used in formal writing or speech.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irrespective and regardless?
Irrespective is typically associated with a more formal tone, while regardless is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
