hardly worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hardly worn" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something has been worn very little or almost not at all. Example: The dress was still in perfect condition because it had hardly been worn.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The resentments have hardly worn away.

The New York Times

"We just couldn't believe how many people now want to sell clothing that they had hardly worn," Ms. Bourne said.

The New York Times

The bright clean colours of many of the clothes have barely faded; the garments look hardly worn.

The Guardian - Business

"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

By Virginia Leach and Burton Bernstein The New Yorker, April 15 , 1967P. 40 Hand-lettered notice on a bulletin board at the University of California in Berkeley: Wardrobe for Sale, Size 9 Hardly Worn.

The New Yorker

In the end, they decided on a brown linen jacket, hardly worn — Sylvia had considered it to be a mistake for herself, the style too brusque — and a pair of tailored tan pants and a cream-colored silk shirt.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He hardly wore it period.

The New York Times - Sports

You can hardly wear sandals in New York City.

The New York Times

"I hardly wear it in the day now".

The Guardian - Arts

Art looks moderately comfortable in a dressing gown, but he can hardly wear that outside his own home.

The Guardian - Music

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When selling or describing items, use "hardly worn" to convey that the item is in excellent condition due to minimal use. This can increase buyer confidence and perceived value.

Common error

Avoid using "hardly worn" when the item has never been worn. "Hardly worn" implies some use, however minimal. If it's truly new, state "never worn" or "brand new" for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hardly worn" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the condition of an item, typically clothing or accessories, indicating minimal use. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hardly worn" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe items in excellent condition due to minimal use. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, particularly News & Media and general descriptions. When using "hardly worn", ensure it accurately reflects the item's condition to avoid misleading potential buyers. Consider alternatives like "barely used" or "almost unused" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost unused

This alternative focuses on the state of being close to not being used at all.

barely used

This alternative highlights the minimal amount of use something has experienced.

scarcely used

This emphasizes the rarity of use, suggesting infrequent application.

lightly used

Focuses on the gentleness and lack of intensity in the usage.

infrequently used

This explicitly states the low frequency of usage.

rarely used

Similar to 'infrequently used', but perhaps implying even lower frequency.

virtually new

This implies a condition that is so close to new that the item can be considered as such.

in pristine condition

This focuses on the excellent state of the item, implying minimal or no wear.

preserved well

Emphasizes that the item has been maintained in good condition, suggesting minimal use.

gently used

Implies careful and light handling during the limited period of use.

FAQs

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

You can use "hardly worn" to describe clothing, accessories, or other items that have been used very little. For example: "I'm selling this dress; it's "hardly worn"."

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

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "almost unused", "barely used", or "lightly used".

Is it okay to say something is "hardly worn" if it's been worn once?

While subjective, "hardly worn" generally implies use that is minimal enough not to cause noticeable wear. Wearing an item once might still qualify, especially if it's been carefully preserved.

What's the difference between "hardly worn" and "gently used"?

"Hardly worn" emphasizes the infrequency of use, while "gently used" focuses on the care taken during its use. An item can be both, but they highlight different aspects of its condition.