They have been working very hard vs They have been working very hardly

The correct phrase is 'they have been working very hard.' 'Hard' in this context means they were working very intensely. 'Hardly' is an adverb that means 'barely' or 'scarcely'. 'Hardly' would change the meaning of the sentence to imply they have barely been working.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 12, 2025 • 5757 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"They have been working very hard"

This phrase is used to describe someone's intense effort or dedication in their work.

Show examples from the web [+]

They have been working very hard and within hours they were also active on the spot, although their facilities were also hit hard.
My men, as you know, have been working very hard.
I, and a number of people I know, who you know, have been working very hard to polish this city's image.
We have been working very hard at simplifying the common agricultural policy (CAP).
Since 2004, we have been working very hard to achieve the aim of having all Member States in the United States' visa waiver programme.
We in the European Parliament have been working very hard to achieve these goals over the past months.
Perhaps I can briefly mention what has happened with the Structural Funds because we have been working very hard on this issue over the last few months.
Everybody is aware that for some time we in the Committee on Budgetary Control have been working very hard to try to clarify this issue and resolve the problems stemming from it.
Please do not do that, because I have been working very hard to keep that from happening.
Your father's been working very hard for this party, young lady.
Tommy's been working very hard on that.
Tommy's been working very hard on that.
The reverend Thorne has been working very hard on this show.
Well, for some time now the European Union has had some very intensive programmes to rid Cambodia of mines, and we have been working very hard to try to resolve the problem.
They've not only been working very hard, but they're going to come out and vote today.
He'd been working very hard in town... and was on the point of having a nervous breakdown.
We've all been working very hard lately, and -
Sister Quayle... you've been working very hard and you must be exhausted.
She's been working very hard for the company for 30 years.
You've all been working very hard to prepare for the party on Sunday, but there's been a change of plans.

This phrase is incorrect in English.

"They have been working very hardly"

Show examples from the web [+]

They have been working very hard and within hours they were also active on the spot, although their facilities were also hit hard.
The rapporteurs have been working very well together.
Guess I been working so hard, I... Forgot what it's like to be hardly working.
Tommy told me you have been working very long hours.
Robin Teverson and I have been working very closely together on this issue over the last months.
My men, as you know, have been working very hard.
I, and a number of people I know, who you know, have been working very hard to polish this city's image.
We have been working very hard at simplifying the common agricultural policy (CAP).
Since 2004, we have been working very hard to achieve the aim of having all Member States in the United States' visa waiver programme.
Since the formation of this National Unity Government, we have been working very closely with the Minister of Finance.
We in the European Parliament have been working very hard to achieve these goals over the past months.
Perhaps I can briefly mention what has happened with the Structural Funds because we have been working very hard on this issue over the last few months.
As Mr Pronk indicated, they have been working on this since 1996.
They have been working on this for a year without much progress.
They have been working there ever since to contribute to needs assessment and aid coordination.
There are several dozen crewmen on board actually, and they have been working 'round the clock to sabotage your vessel.
Proving an older genealogy for Egyptian history basically means... Throwing everything they have been working on their entire lives into question.
They have been working on this since they found out Pathfinder is looking for a new boss.
We have been working until now on improving coordination, which allows everyone to better exercise the tax sovereignty they have.
Everybody is aware that for some time we in the Committee on Budgetary Control have been working very hard to try to clarify this issue and resolve the problems stemming from it.

Alternatives:

they have been working very diligently
they have been working very intensely
they have been working very vigorously
they have been working very strenuously
they have been working very hard

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They have been working very hard vs They have been working very hardly

"They have been working very hard"

"They have been working very hardly"

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