Understanding the Subtle Differences Between 'Hardly Ever' and 'Seldom'

When it comes to expressing rare occurrences or infrequent actions, English offers several adverbs to choose from, including 'hardly ever' and 'seldom'. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they do carry subtle differences in connotation and usage. In this article, we will explore these distinctions, provide examples, and highlight how they are employed in both spoken and written English.

What is 'Seldom'?

'Seldom' is an adverb that indicates an action or occurrence that happens not very often or rarely. It implies a lower frequency of occurrence, but it is not as strong as 'hardly ever'. Here are a few examples:

Abdul was seldom absent in his classes in the technical institute. This means Abdul missed class infrequently or rarely.

Darjeeling is seldom visited by tourists these days. This indicates that Darjeeling is not a common tourist destination.

The old seldom-used building of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church: Local Unit is under thorough repairs, renovation, and upgradation now-a-days. This suggests the building is not used often.

What is 'Hardly Ever'?

'Hardly ever' is an adverb that conveys a stronger meaning, implying that something happens very rarely. Here are some examples:

We hardly ever see the bookworm-type of persons roaming about the street corners. This strongly implies that these individuals are rarely seen.

Someone hardly ever does see Lal Krishna Advani to be present there in public meetings. This suggests that Lal Krishna Advani rarely attends public meetings.

Comparing 'Hardly Ever' and 'Seldom'

The terms 'hardly ever' and 'seldom' are indeed synonymous, but there is a subtle distinction in their strength and connotation. 'Hardly ever' suggests a much lower frequency of occurrence than 'seldom'. For instance:

I seldom bet on the horses but when I do I hardly ever back a winner.

In this example, 'seldom' indicates that the speaker rarely places bets, while 'hardly ever' emphasizes that even when they do, they often fail to win.

Usage in Writing and Speech

While both terms are used in both written and spoken English, there are slight differences in their frequency of use. Generally, 'seldom' is more common in everyday speech, whereas 'hardly ever' is more frequent in writing. Here are a few more examples:

I rarely go to the theatre. This means I go to the theatre very infrequently.

I seldom go shopping. This implies that I only go shopping occasionally.

Both of these adverbs can be used after the subject and after the verb 'be' or modal verbs. For example:

I am seldom angry. This means that I rarely get angry.

I have seldom eaten here before. This indicates that I have visited this place very infrequently.

It's important to note that these adverbs are not used in double negative sentences. For example, 'I never never go to the gym' is incorrect.

When to Use 'Rarely'?

'Rarely' is another adverb of frequency that can sometimes be used interchangeably with 'hardly ever' and 'seldom'. However, it is generally used to denote a slightly lower frequency. Here is an example:

I rarely go skiing anymore. This suggests that I do not go skiing often, but I do not completely rule it out.

Further Clarification and Examples

CF Friedman provides a good explanation from Quora regarding the subtle differences between 'barely' and 'scarcely'. While 'hardly,' 'rarely,' and 'seldom' are all adverbs of frequency, 'hardly' and 'barely' are often used to emphasize ongoing actions or states:

You hardly wrote anything for the essay question. This means you wrote very little, less than was expected.

You scarcely touched your food. This similar to saying you barely touched your food, indicating very little consumption.

You hardly the person who should be giving instructions on this subject. This implies that you are among the least qualified to give instructions.

He barely made it to the finish line. This means he was extremely exhausted and almost collapsed before the end.

He barely got to work on time. This suggests he rushed in just a few seconds before work started, or he almost didn't make it at all.

She barely managed to pass the exam. This means she barely passed, and just a single point more would have failed.

By understanding these subtle differences, you can use these adverbs of frequency more effectively in your writing and speech, making your language more precise and nuanced.