The Meaning Of “Carry On Regardless”
The phrase “carry on regardless” is an idiomatic expression that means to continue doing something without being influenced or affected by obstacles, difficulties, or negative outcomes. It suggests perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
This phrase is commonly used to convey a sense of resilience and unwavering commitment to a goal or task.
Preference For “Carry On Regardless Of”
When used in a sentence, the phrase “carry on regardless” is often followed by the preposition “of,” which takes precedence in terms of usage and grammatical correctness. The addition of “of” after “regardless” creates a clear and concise structure in the sentence.
For example, “He decided to carry on regardless of the criticism he received.” In this case, the phrase “carry on regardless of” indicates that the person is determined to continue despite any criticism.
Intransitive Function Without “Of”
Without the preposition “of,” the phrase “carry on regardless” functions as an intransitive phrasal verb. In this form, it does not require an object after it.
For instance, “She decided to carry on regardless.” This usage implies that the person is determined to persevere without specifying what they are carrying on despite.
Non-Natural And Non-Standard Use Of “Carry On Regardless If”
It should be noted that using “if” in the phrase “carry on regardless if” is considered non-natural and non-standard. While it may still be understood, it deviates from the common and grammatically correct usage of the phrase.
To ensure clarity and conformity to standard English, it is advisable to avoid using “if” in this context.
“Regardless Of” As The Most Common Form
The most prevalent and grammatically correct form of the phrase is “carry on regardless of.” This construction is widely accepted and used in various contexts. “Regardless of” is a prepositional phrase that indicates the lack of consideration for something when proceeding with an action.
It can be applied to any sentence, allowing for flexibility in its usage. For example, “They decided to carry on regardless of the weather conditions.” Here, the focus is on their determination to continue regardless of the weather.
Usage Of “Regardless If” With Actions
While “regardless of” is more commonly used, the phrase “carry on regardless if” can still be employed with actions. Although less common, it is acceptable to use “regardless if” when the intention is to emphasize the determination to proceed without being affected by a specific action.
For instance, “She will carry on regardless if they offer her a promotion.” In this case, the phrase highlights her commitment to continue, regardless of a promotion offer.
Redundancy Of “Regardless Of If”
The phrase “regardless of if” is considered redundant and should be avoided. Since both “regardless” and “if” convey the sense of regardlessness or irrespective of, using them together is unnecessary and repetitive.
Therefore, to ensure effective communication and to maintain clarity in writing, it is recommended to use either “regardless of” or “regardless if,” depending on the desired emphasis.
Alternative Sentences To Replace “Regardless Of If”
To avoid redundancy and adhere to standard English usage, several alternative sentences can replace “regardless of if,” including:
- “Regardless of whether”: This phrase provides a more concise and accurate expression, indicating a lack of consideration for a specific condition before proceeding.
For example, “He will carry on regardless of whether they accept his proposal.”
- “Regardless if”: Although less common, “regardless if” can still be used with actions.
For example, “They will carry on regardless if the team wins or loses the game.”
The choice between “regardless of whether” and “regardless if” depends on the desired emphasis and the context in which the phrase is used.
In conclusion, “carry on regardless” is an idiom that conveys determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. It is most commonly followed by the preposition “of,” and using “if” in this phrase is non-natural and non-standard.
The prepositional phrase “regardless of” is the grammatically correct and most frequently used form. While “regardless if” can be used, it is less common and better suited for emphasizing actions.
Avoiding the redundancy of “regardless of if” is advisable, and alternative sentences such as “regardless of whether” or “regardless if” can be used to convey the intended meaning more effectively.
