Regardless Of Whether – Here’s The Correct Usage (All variations)

Some sayings and phrases in English need a bit more clarification before learners get their heads around them. An excellent example of this is learning what “regardless of whether” means. Some people believe that the whole phrase is unnecessary, but let’s see if they’re right!

Is It Proper To Use “Regardless Of Whether”?

“Regardless of whether” is grammatically correct, though people often omit “of whether” as unnecessary wording. It is proper to use it in a formal situation. Regardless is a formal word, meaning that we don’t mind when one thing might affect an outcome.

What Does “Regardless Of Whether” Mean?

Now that we know where to use it, it would help to understand what it means. You might already have come across the word “regardless” before, but when you throw all of these words together, does the meaning change?

You should use “regardless of whether” when you want to compare two or more potential options that might alter the outcome. “Regardless” means that one thing won’t affect our decision, “whether” means multiple items are at play in the context.

While regardless typically applies to one thing or decision that might alter our choice, “regardless of whether” implies that there are more possibilities at play.

For example, “regardless of rain” means we’ll do an activity even if it rains. “Regardless of whether it rains” means the same thing, but it also extends out to mean whether it rains or anything else. That means that no matter what the weather, we still intend to take on our responsibility.

Most people believe that “of whether” after regardless is obsolete and unnecessary. There are no grammatical rules against this, but if you’d rather streamline your speaking or writing, then “regardless” will do the job just as effectively.

Is It Formal To Say “Regardless Of Whether”?

The formality of the phrase “regardless of whether” was briefly touched on, but we feel like we need to elaborate. Most people in a formal setting won’t mind whether you use “regardless” on its own or “regardless of whether.”

However, if you’re in the most upper class of situations, your best bet is to just use “regardless” with nothing following it. The reason for this is because many upper-class speakers like to keep their speaking short and to the point. “Of whether” is seen as a waste of words, so it should be avoided if you’re in a situation like that.

Can You Use “Regardless” On Its Own?

As we’ve mentioned, the most common and acceptable way to use the phrase is by just using “regardless” on its own. That way, you don’t have to worry about accidentally using it wrong or saying too many words. You also don’t have to worry about your audience, as everyone understands what “regardless” means in any given context.

If you want to say you’re happy to do something no matter what things might affect it, then “regardless” works independently.

Most of the time, “regardless of whether” is used in speaking because people tend to include additional words when thinking about the next thing to say. It’s also worth noting that if it’s clear that two or more things could have an impact on the overall result, “regardless of whether” is more suitable than simply saying “regardless” (which usually only mentions one thing changing the result).

Should You Use “Regardless Of Whether” Or “Regardless Whether”?

People often ask about the differences between the two phrases, but there aren’t any. Both “regardless of whether” and “regardless whether” are interchangeable and mean the same thing.

“Regardless of whether” and “regardless whether” are both acceptable in standard English dictionaries. It’s worth mentioning that “regardless of whether” is by far the more popular choice of the two. Many people believe “regardless whether” to be incorrect, but they would be wrong.

The choice is yours with whichever one you’d rather use. Of course, most people expect to see “regardless of whether” or simply “regardless,” so maybe make it a habit to make sure you only use one of those two options. Even though “regardless whether” is still correct, it’s best to leave it out since it’s been dying out in popularity over recent years.

Should You Always Use “Regardless Of Whether Or Not”?

You do not need to use “or not” at the end of “regardless of whether.” It’s the most commonly accepted way to write the saying, but most people tend not to like including all the extra words.

Omitting extra and unnecessary words is common practice in speaking in English. That’s why “regardless of whether or not” is less common to say than “regardless of whether.” However, both are correct forms in English.

• Regardless of whether it rains, I’ll be there.

We thought we’d include some brief examples for you to see how each one works just fine. You can use “regardless of whether” without the “or not” and still have it make sense. The example shows that even if it’s raining, the speaker will still be at the predetermined destination.

• I’ll be there regardless of whether it rains or not.

The second example shows the most common way to write “regardless of whether or not.” We actually put the rest of the clause between “whether” and “or not.” That means “whether it rains or not” is more acceptable than any other option. However, the grammar rules still apply and all three examples are correct.

• I’ll be there regardless of whether or not it rains.

The final example is the most basic form of seeing “regardless of whether or not” as one string.

11 Examples Of How To Use “Regardless Of Whether” In A Sentence

Okay, so we’ve covered just about all we need to regarding “regardless of whether.” We’ve seen whether we include “or not” at the end, as well as whether we need to include an “of” between the words. We’ve even covered just using the word “regardless” on its own.

We think it’s about time you see some example sentences of “regardless of whether” in action. We’ll include variations with and without the “or not” addition. We’ll also remove the “of” in some examples. That way, you can see which way you like it written the most. Remember, though, each of these examples can be shortened down to a simple “regardless” and still make perfect sense.

1. Regardless of whether or not you’ll be there, I’m still going to go.
2. I have to make it into that university, regardless of whether you’re okay with my decision.
3. Regardless whether you’re happy about it or not, I think our relationship has run its course.
4. I need you to get these documents delivered, regardless of whether the office is closed.
5. You must send me a postcard, regardless of whether you enjoy the holiday or not.
6. Please be careful out there, regardless of whether you want to have fun.
7. Regardless of whether or not you’re okay with this, my mother has to stay for two more weeks.
8. Regardless whether you’re happy here, it’s time for you to leave.
9. My boss told me that regardless of whether I’m okay with my working hours, I still have to come in every Sunday for the next four months.
10. He said that regardless of whether or not I want to do it, I have to make sure it’s done to keep him happy.
11. I can’t be there to see him, regardless of whether he wants me there.

We included as much variety as we could think of. Hopefully, this has helped you understand a little more about how each form is used. It’s a versatile phrase that can be put anywhere.

Remember, though; many people would much rather keep it short and sweet. That means that saying “regardless” in place of any of these will still work fine. Here, we’ll show you the first example with just “regardless” so that you can see it in action.

• Regardless if you’ll be there, I’m still going to go.

Regardless Of Whether – Synonyms

Finally, let’s look at some synonyms for the phrase. We understand that “regardless of whether” is a mouthful. That’s why we think it’s important for you to learn some alternatives ways of saying it. This way, you can convey your meaning even if you don’t fully grasp the words or don’t want to use them yourself.

• In any case

This is a suitable alternative that translates to mean “no matter what happens, I’ll do it.” The implication that no scenario will affect the outcome is present here, just like it is when we use “regardless.”

• No matter what

This is a more informal choice, but it works just the same way. We use “no matter what” to show that there isn’t a situation that will stop us from achieving what was asked of us.

• Nevertheless

A much more formal option, which is mostly used in something like essay-writing. We use “nevertheless” to show the same thing as “regardless” would convey. It implies that no matter what else was written, those things still don’t affect the overall outcome.