How to use “Hardly”

How to use “Hardly”

Hello, English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Today we will learn how to use “hardly”.

“Hardly” is an adverb used to mean barely or almost not. Here are five possible ways to use it.

Learn everything you need to know about English. Click the picture to visit our bookshop

Expressing difficulty or barely managing

When it is used to express difficulty or barely managing, it has to do with a sense of struggle or inability to do something.

• She could hardly believe the news. (the news was so surprising, shocking or unbelievable that she struggled to accept it)
• I hardly know him. (the speaker knows very little about the person, possibly just their name or face)

Negating or minimizing an action/event

It emphasizes that something occurs very rarely, minimally or briefly.

• We hardly ever go out to eat these days. (going out to eat is a rare occurrence)
• The meeting hardly took ten minutes. (minimizes the duration of the meeting)

Indicating something unlikely or impractical (often paired with “can” or “could”)

It suggests that the action or expectation is unreasonable or almost impossible. It conveys a sense of justification or inevitability.

• You can hardly blame her for leaving. (blaming her for leaving would be unreasonable or unjustified)
• He could hardly refuse their offer. (the offer was too good, compelling, or advantageous to turn down)

With time references, to stress immediacy (often in formal or literary usage)

When it is used with time references, it emphasizes that two events occurred in quick succession, with the second action happening almost immediately after the first.

• I had hardly sat down when the phone rang. (barely any time had passed after sitting down before the phone rang)

In fixed expressions or idioms

Hardly surprising! – Used to express that something is not surprising at all.

Hardly worth mentioning – Indicates that something is so insignificant it’s barely worth discussing.

I can hardly wait! – Expresses eager anticipation for something.

Hardly what I expected – Suggests disappointment or surprise that something did not meet expectations.

It hardly matters now – Implies that something is no longer relevant or important.

Hardly a day goes by without… – Indicates that something happens almost every day.

That’s hardly fair! – Expresses disagreement or criticism of something perceived as unfair.

You hardly need to ask – Suggests that the answer is obvious.

It’s hardly rocket science – Indicates that something is not difficult to understand.

They can hardly complain – Suggests that someone is in no position to protest or object.

How to use “hardly”

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how to do it and where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!