"hardly ever" vs "almost never"

Question

"hardly ever" vs "almost never"

Both "hardly ever" and "almost never" are correct phrases used to indicate a very low frequency of occurrence. They are interchangeable in most contexts, with a slight difference in emphasis. "Hardly ever" suggests a bit more frequency than "almost never."

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate a very low frequency of occurrence, almost to the point of never happening.

Examples:

I hardly ever go to the gym.
She hardly ever eats fast food.
They hardly ever visit their relatives.
He hardly ever watches TV.
We hardly ever get snow in this area.

Alternatives:

almost never
rarely
seldom
infrequently
scarcely ever

This phrase is used to indicate a very low frequency of occurrence, almost to the point of never happening.

Examples:

He almost never arrives on time.
She almost never drinks coffee.
They almost never go out on weekdays.
I almost never forget my keys.
We almost never have dessert after dinner.

Alternatives:

hardly ever
rarely
seldom
infrequently
scarcely ever

Answer 1

hardly ever

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

almost never

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"hardly ever" vs "almost never"

hardly ever

almost never

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