can hardly wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can hardly wait" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express enthusiasm for a forthcoming event, such as when one is looking forward to a special treat or occasion. For example, you could say "I can hardly wait for the weekend!", indicating that you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can hardly wait.

The New York Times

One can hardly wait.

The New York Times

And he can hardly wait.

Independent

Bet Villa can hardly wait.

The Guardian - Sport

The Fiver can hardly wait.

The Guardian - Sport

But Carinthia can hardly wait.

The New York Times

And Vargas can hardly wait.

The New York Times - Sports

I can hardly wait to sign up.

The Guardian

We can hardly wait to see you!

Harvard University

Leo and I can hardly wait.

Independent

Chongqing's ordinary cops can hardly wait.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your expressions of anticipation. While "can hardly wait" is effective, using synonyms like "eagerly anticipate" or "look forward to" can add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "can hardly wait" in highly formal or professional documents where a more reserved tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "anticipate with pleasure" to maintain a professional demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can hardly wait" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey a strong feeling of anticipation or excitement about something that is expected to happen. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can hardly wait" is a common and correct way to express strong anticipation or excitement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in highly formal settings, opting for alternatives like "eagerly anticipate". The phrase functions idiomatically to convey eagerness, and while it is mostly neutral in tone, it leans towards informality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excitedly anticipate

Directly expresses excitement and anticipation without the element of delayed gratification.

keenly anticipate

Highlights the intensity of the anticipation, indicating a strong interest and desire.

look forward to with great excitement

Emphasizes the excitement associated with looking forward to something, adding emotional intensity.

await with eagerness

Uses a more literary tone to express anticipation, replacing "hardly wait" with a direct statement of eagerness.

eagerly anticipate

Replaces the more colloquial "can hardly wait" with a formal and more direct expression of anticipation.

thrilled about the prospect of

Highlights the thrill and positive feeling associated with an upcoming event or opportunity.

counting down the days until

Illustrates the passage of time and the building anticipation for a specific event.

anxiously await

Conveys a sense of eagerness mixed with slight worry or concern about the upcoming event.

on the edge of my seat

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey extreme excitement and suspense.

yearn for the moment when

Expresses a deep longing and strong desire for a particular moment to arrive.

FAQs

How can I use "can hardly wait" in a sentence?

You can use "can hardly wait" to express excitement or anticipation for something. For example, "I "can hardly wait" for the concert next week!" or "We "can hardly wait" to see you at the party."

What are some alternatives to "can hardly wait"?

Some alternatives to "can hardly wait" include "eager to", "look forward to", "excited about", or "anxiously await" depending on the context.

Is "can't hardly wait" grammatically correct?

No, "can't hardly wait" is grammatically incorrect because it contains a double negative. The correct and commonly used phrase is ""can hardly wait"."

What is the difference between "can hardly wait" and "looking forward to"?

"Can hardly wait" implies a stronger sense of excitement and impatience compared to "looking forward to", which is a more general expression of anticipation. "Can hardly wait" suggests a more enthusiastic and eager sentiment.