we hardly know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we hardly know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of familiarity or knowledge about a person, situation, or topic. Example: "Despite working together for a year, we hardly know each other on a personal level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We hardly know each other".

The New Yorker

Ireland, we hardly know ye.

The Guardian - Opinion

We hardly know one another.

The Guardian - Arts

The truth is we hardly know.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We hardly know one another," he protests.

The New Yorker

Mr. Johnnie, we hardly know you.

The New York Times - Books

But to people we hardly know or don't know?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We hardly knew ye.

The New York Times

We hardly knew yer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Tommy, we hardly knew ye.

The New York Times

Kaspar, we hardly knew ye.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we hardly know" to politely express a lack of in-depth knowledge about a topic without sounding dismissive. For example, when discussing a new research area, you might say, "We hardly know the long-term effects of this technology yet."

Common error

Avoid using "we hardly know" when you mean "we know nothing about". "Hardly know" implies some minimal awareness or contact, while complete ignorance requires a different phrasing, such as "we are completely unaware of" or "we know absolutely nothing about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we hardly know" functions as a declarative statement expressing a limited degree of knowledge or familiarity. Ludwig examples show it is used to acknowledge a lack of deep understanding or close acquaintance with a person, situation, or subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we hardly know" is a versatile expression used to convey a limited degree of knowledge or familiarity. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and academic discussions, indicating its broad applicability across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and the wealth of examples highlight its role in setting expectations, expressing humility, or signaling the need for further exploration. When using this phrase, remember that it implies some awareness but stops short of complete ignorance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we barely know

Indicates a slightly lesser degree of knowledge than "we hardly know".

we scarcely know

Similar to "we barely know", emphasizing a lack of knowledge.

we know very little about

More explicitly states the limited amount of knowledge.

our knowledge is limited

Focuses on the state of knowledge rather than the act of knowing.

we lack familiarity with

Emphasizes the absence of close acquaintance or understanding.

we are not well-acquainted with

A more formal way of expressing a lack of familiarity.

we are unfamiliar with

Directly states a lack of familiarity.

we haven't gotten to know

Focuses on the process of getting acquainted, which hasn't happened.

we only vaguely know

Highlights the lack of clarity in one's understanding.

we have a superficial understanding of

Indicates a shallow level of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "we hardly know" in a sentence?

The phrase "we hardly know" is used to express that you have limited knowledge or familiarity with something or someone. For example: "We hardly know each other, but I feel a connection." or "We hardly know the details of the agreement."

What's the difference between "we hardly know" and "we barely know"?

"We hardly know" and "we barely know" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both suggest a limited degree of knowledge or acquaintance. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What are some alternatives to "we hardly know"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we know very little about", "we lack familiarity with", or "we are unfamiliar with".

Is it appropriate to use "we hardly know" in formal writing?

Yes, "we hardly know" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and context of the piece rather than the level of formality. For more formal contexts, consider "we are not well-acquainted with".