Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
IRREGARDLESS / REGARDLESS
The proper form of this word, whether used as an adjective (heedless), adverb (despite everything), or preposition with of (without taking into account or inspite of), is regardless. The word irregardless, often used in its stead, is considered nonstandard.
NONSTANDARD: His heading out on the journey before being fully prepared was an irregardless action.
BETTER: His heading out on the journey before being fully prepared was a regardless action.
NONSTANDARD: They decided to fund the project irregardless.
BETTER: They decided to fund the project regardless.
NONSTANDARD: We plan to go ahead with the outdoor barbecue irregardless of the weather.
BETTER: We plan to go ahead with the outdoor barbecue regardless of the weather.
NOTE: This is one of those cases where simpler is better. Three syllables is enough!
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