Hard vs Hardly: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
While "hard" means "very/intensely" or "difficult," "hardly" is used to mean "almost not.
Memory Tip: hard = difficult, hardly = almost not
hard has a strong /d/, hardly has a soft /li/
hard /hɑrd/
adverbWith a lot of effort or energy.
Example:
If you study hard, you will pass the exam easily.
Common patterns:
work hard
try hard
hardly
adverb"Hardly" means almost not or very little.
Example:
I was so tired yesterday that I could hardly keep my eyes open during the movie.
Common patterns:
hardly ever
hardly any
hardly noticeable
Common Mistakes
She works hardly every day to meet the deadlines.
She works hard every day to meet the deadlines.
The word 'hard' is used to indicate working with great effort.
I could hard believe what I was hearing.
I could hardly believe what I was hearing.
'Hardly' is used to mean 'almost not,' indicating disbelief.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. If you study ____, you will pass the exam easily.
2. I was so tired yesterday that I could ____ keep my eyes open during the movie.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse hard / hardly again
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