are hardly worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are hardly worn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe items, typically clothing or shoes, that have been used very little or not at all. Example: "These shoes are hardly worn, so they are still in excellent condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I still have suits from 20 years ago that are hardly worn; it's as if they're in a time capsule," he said.

The New York Times

Each of the carbon rotating rings is used less than five times to ensure that the end faces are hardly worn.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Even if you buy your shoes in a thrift shop, look for pairs that appear to be hardly worn, as shoes do mold themselves to the wearer's feet and your foot is different!

WikiHow

Between the technology, the low cost and the continual addition of new brands — look for Alexander Wang and Matthew Williamson in the coming weeks — Endress says she's hardly wearing her contact lenses anymore.

The New York Times

There's hardly anyone wearing a skirt".

The New York Times - Style

The resentments have hardly worn away.

The New York Times

Relapses are hardly unknown.

The New York Times

They are hardly alone.

The New York Times - Sports

Those are hardly inspiring.

Forbes

You are hardly alone!

WikiHow

(I didn't, I made that up. I didn't even wear a hi-vis jacket when I gave birth, so I'm hardly going to wear one while in a dungeon having sex with someone dressed as a hod carrier).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of items for sale or appraisal, use "are hardly worn" to accurately represent minimal use and maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the condition of items by using phrases like "are brand new" when "are hardly worn" is more accurate. This maintains credibility and avoids misleading the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are hardly worn" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the minimal extent of its use. Ludwig confirms this, showing examples where the phrase describes clothing or rings with little to no wear.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are hardly worn" is a grammatically correct and usable adjective phrase to describe items with minimal use. As Ludwig confirms, it is most commonly found in news articles, wikis, and scientific texts, making it suitable for neutral and informative contexts. To describe similar meanings, consider alternatives like "are barely used" or "are scarcely worn", based on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Remember to avoid overstating the condition of items to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are barely used

Indicates minimal usage, emphasizing the lack of use.

are virtually unused

Emphasizes the lack of use, suggesting near-new condition.

are scarcely worn

Emphasizes the infrequency of being worn.

are seldom worn

Highlights the rare occasions of being worn.

are rarely used

Highlights the uncommon nature of their usage.

are slightly used

Suggests a small amount of wear, closer to new condition.

are practically new

Suggests a condition very similar to new, with minimal to no wear.

are almost new

Highlights the condition as being very close to new.

are in mint condition

Indicates pristine condition with no signs of wear.

show minimal wear

Focuses on the small amount of wear visible on the item.

FAQs

How can I use "are hardly worn" in a sentence?

You can use "are hardly worn" to describe items, usually clothing or accessories, that show very little sign of use. For instance, "These shoes "are hardly worn", making them a great deal".

What's a good alternative to "are hardly worn"?

Alternatives include "are barely used", "are scarcely worn", or "are seldom worn". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey about the item's condition.

Is it better to say "are hardly worn" or "are slightly used"?

The best choice depends on the degree of wear. "Are slightly used" suggests some visible wear, while "are hardly worn" implies minimal to almost no wear. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the item's condition.

Can "are hardly worn" be used for objects other than clothing?

While typically used for clothing and accessories, "are hardly worn" can be applied to other items that experience wear through use, such as tools or equipment. However, consider whether another phrase like "are lightly used" might be more appropriate depending on the item.