hardly ever true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hardly ever true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is rarely or almost never accurate or correct. Example: "The claims made in the article are hardly ever true, as they often lack credible sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It isn't entirely false – but it's hardly ever true.

The Guardian - Opinion

But what was apparent in my long conversations with individuals was hardly ever true in the aggregate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's still possible for boomer men to get a cover just for being a hunk, but hardly ever true for women.

The New York Times

And smack in the center: Kirstie Alley, "Yes, I Gained 83 LBS!" It's still possible for boomer men to get a cover just for being a hunk, but hardly ever true for women.

The New York Times

Each item is scored using a 3-point scale (not true or hardly ever true, sometimes true, often true).

Cognitive Therapy and Research

Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 2, with 0 = 'not true or hardly ever true', 1 = 'sometimes true', and 2 = 'true or often true'.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I've hardly ever met a true film buff who doesn't have a personal collection in a box at home -- a private treasury.

The New York Times

"Journeys," says Raban, somewhere towards the end of Passage to Juneau, "hardly ever disclose their true meaning until after – and sometimes years after – they're over".

The Guardian - Books

Indeed, the public is hardly ever made aware of the true nature of most of the pesticides.

The New Yorker

"What I do is stand close by for a little while and emit a facial expression that says, 'I'm willing to help if you ask me.' But they hardly ever ask me". This is true.

The Guardian - Arts

True parkour is hardly ever done.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hardly ever true", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the statement refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For emphasis, consider using it to contrast with situations where something is generally expected to be true.

Common error

Avoid using "hardly ever true" when the statement is completely false. The phrase implies that there are rare instances where it might be true, so ensure the context reflects this nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hardly ever true" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies the verb, expressing a low frequency of truthfulness. As Ludwig indicates, it suggests that a statement or idea is generally not true, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of it being true in some instances.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hardly ever true" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is rarely or almost never accurate. As Ludwig AI points out, it implies a low frequency of truthfulness, though not an absolute absence of it. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to express skepticism or doubt. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "almost never true" or "rarely true".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost never true

Replaces "hardly" with "almost", slightly softening the assertion.

rarely true

Uses a single adverb to express infrequency, offering a more concise alternative.

seldom true

Synonymous with "rarely true", providing a formal tone.

scarcely ever true

Emphasizes the rarity with "scarcely", adding a touch of intensity.

almost never accurate

Substitutes "true" with "accurate", shifting the focus to precision.

infrequently true

A more formal and less common way of saying "rarely true".

not often true

Expresses the idea in a more literal and straightforward manner.

unlikely to be true

Shifts the focus to the probability of being true rather than frequency.

barely ever true

Replaces "hardly" with "barely", implying a minimal degree of truth.

mostly false

Directly states the predominant state as false, rather than focusing on the infrequency of truth.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "hardly ever true" in a more formal way?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "seldom true" or "infrequently true". These options offer a more elevated style suitable for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "hardly ever true" and "never true"?

"Hardly ever true" suggests that something is almost always false, but with a slight possibility of being true in rare cases. "Never true" indicates an absolute absence of truth. The subtle difference lies in the allowance for exceptions.

When is it appropriate to use "hardly ever true" in writing?

It's best to use "hardly ever true" when you want to convey that something is generally incorrect, but not entirely impossible. For instance, "The rumors about his success are "hardly ever true", though there might be a grain of truth in them".

What are some common synonyms for "hardly ever true"?

Some common synonyms include "almost never true", "rarely true", and "scarcely ever true". These phrases all express a similar idea of infrequency and doubt.