it hardly works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it hardly works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not functioning effectively or is only marginally successful. Example: "I tried to fix the old printer, but it hardly works anymore, so I think it's time to buy a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Informing them of exactly where the sub went down was a nice thing to do, but it hardly works as a motive for repeatedly risking one's life.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I call it hardly working, because not everyone is blessed enough to be in the media business, but it was hard on the kids.

The New York Times

It hardly worked out.

BBC

I now know it's because I hardly worked for it.

Huffington Post

And it's hardly work when all you do is go hunting with your buddies.

Huffington Post

It hardly ever works.

Independent

Yet it hardly ever works out like this.

Independent

Do not try to Weapon Sword Cancel while zoomed in, it hardly ever works.

WikiHow

But at the VA, it hardly ever worked that way, longtime department officials said.

Huffington Post

Not just nice work, it seemed, but hardly work at all.

The New York Times

Coca-Cola's bottling plant in Eritrea hardly works because the country's totalitarian government makes it impossible to import the needed syrup.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it hardly works", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "it hardly works" when the subject is completely broken. This phrase implies some level of functionality, however minimal. If something is entirely non-functional, use stronger language such as "it doesn't work at all" or "it's completely broken".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it hardly works" functions as an assertion about the limited or impaired functionality of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It describes a state where something is operational but not effectively so.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it hardly works" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express that something is functioning poorly or ineffectively. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a correct and usable expression. While versatile, it’s important to ensure the context clearly identifies the subject to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include phrases like "it barely functions" or "it seldom works", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase appears most commonly in news media, and possesses a generally neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it barely functions

Expresses a minimal level of functionality, suggesting that something is operating at its lowest possible capacity.

it barely works

Highlights the marginal success or functionality of something.

it scarcely functions

Conveys a sense of minimal and unreliable operation.

it seldom works

Indicates that something rarely operates as intended or achieves the desired outcome.

it rarely functions

Similar to "it seldom works", but may imply a slightly more consistent pattern of failure.

it has limited functionality

Highlights the restricted scope of what something can do.

it's almost non-functional

Emphasizes the near-complete lack of functionality.

it's practically useless

Focuses on the lack of utility or effectiveness of something.

it's virtually ineffective

Stresses the limited impact or success of something.

it's mostly broken

Implies significant damage or malfunction, rendering something largely unusable.

FAQs

What does "it hardly works" mean?

The phrase "it hardly works" means that something functions with great difficulty or is mostly ineffective. It implies that the item in question is not operating as intended or is only marginally successful.

What can I say instead of "it hardly works"?

You can use alternatives like "it barely functions", "it seldom works", or "it rarely functions" depending on the context.

Is "it hardly works" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "it hardly works" is grammatically correct. The adverb "hardly" correctly modifies the verb "works" to indicate a low degree of effectiveness.

How do I use "it hardly works" in a sentence?

Use "it hardly works" when you want to express that something is close to being non-functional. For example, "I tried to use the old computer, but "it hardly works" anymore."