hardly ever

Idioms  

1. Also, rarely ever, scarcely ever. Very seldom, almost never, as in This kind of thief is hardly ever caught, or He rarely ever brings up his wartime experiences. The ever in these expressions, first recorded in 1694, serves as an intensifier.

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Example Sentences

It can be difficult to know what investments are worth at any given time, given that they hardly ever trade and instead are valued by fund managers using a mix of internal analysis and third-party pricing services.

From The Wall Street Journal

“So, Hoop, I’m gonna do something I hardly ever do. I’m gonna give you a second chance. But should you miss even one game or practice for the rest of the year, the deal is off. Null and void. I do not, under any circumstances, give third chances. You understand what I’m saying?”

From Literature

“It happened on the evening Turkey celebrated its independence. I snuck out to celebrate and took my mother’s oud. When my father found out I had been at a party with a group of boys, and even sang for them, he thought the worst of me. It was a different time back then. Girls hardly ever went out alone. My father said I brought shame on the family, and so he sent me to Cuba to eventually marry me off to your papá. And here I am.”

From Literature

They’re one of the least penalized teams in the country and hardly ever commit turnovers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Herbert said the Patriots are “hardly ever out of position,” adding that Maye’s week-by-week statistics are something that has led the Chargers quarterback to build respect for his foe.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• a few times
• hardly
• occasionally
• rarely
• scarcely
• sometimes
• sporadically