Is irregardless proper grammar?
Irregardless is found in most dictionaries. It is listed as a nonstandard word, meaning it doesn’t conform to grammar standards and isn’t generally used by educated native speakers of English. Its listing in dictionaries indicates it is a word with widespread use, but that doesn’t mean professionals endorse its use.
Does the Oxford English Dictionary recognize irregardless?
The Oxford English Dictionary traces the first use of “irregardless” to 1912, though a similar word, “unregardless,” goes back well into the nineteenth century. (The OED says “irregardless” is “Chiefly North American” and “nonstandard or humorous use.”) People have been arguing over it since.
When did irregardless become an acceptable word?
1912
According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), irregardless was first acknowledged in 1912 by the Wentworth American Dialect Dictionary as originating from western Indiana, though the word was in use in South Carolina before Indiana became a territory.
Is irregardless a word UK?
We define irregardless, even though this act hurts the feelings of many. The fact that it is unnecessary, as there is already a word in English with the same meaning (regardless) is not terribly important; it is not a dictionary’s job to assess whether a word is necessary before defining it.
What is wrong with the word irregardless?
The ir- prefix means “not,” and if you add it to a word that already means “without regard,” you get “not without regard.” This double negative is what makes irregardless a mess of a word, and an insult to the army of people who are passionate about English vocabulary.
Why you shouldn’t use irregardless?
Is irregardless bad grammar?
Merriam-Webster defines irregardless as “nonstandard” but meaning the same as “regardless.” “Many people find irregardless to be a nonsensical word, as the ir- prefix usually functions to indicates negation; however, in this case it appears to function as an intensifier,” the dictionary writes.
Why do people say irregardless?
It’s basically an emphatic use of “regardless.” So if you’re a native speaker of certain dialects that use “irregardless” you use “irregardless” to shut down further conversation on a topic.
What can I say instead of irregardless?
The point of the “irregardless” is to shut down conversation. So “irregardless” is a word. It has a specific use, in particular dialects. That said, it’s not part of standard English and so — especially if you’re writing or if you’re speaking in formal places — you want to use “regardless” instead.