“Hardly ever” is a common adverbial phrase that frequently appears in IELTS exams, both in reading passages and as a useful expression for writing and speaking tasks. Understanding how to use this phrase correctly can significantly enhance your language proficiency and boost your IELTS score. Let’s delve into the intricacies of using “hardly ever” in sentences and explore its applications in various IELTS contexts.
Understanding “Hardly Ever”: Meaning and Usage
“Hardly ever” is an adverbial phrase that means “very rarely” or “almost never.” It’s used to describe actions or situations that occur very infrequently. In IELTS, you might encounter this phrase in reading passages or be expected to use it in your writing and speaking to express infrequency.
Grammar Formula: Subject + hardly ever + verb (simple present/past)
Examples:
- I hardly ever eat fast food.
- She hardly ever misses a day of work.
- They hardly ever travel abroad.
- The train hardly ever arrives late.
- We hardly ever see each other these days.
Incorporating “Hardly Ever” in IELTS Tasks
IELTS Writing Task 2
In Writing Task 2, using “hardly ever” can help you express ideas about frequency and habits effectively. Here’s an example paragraph:
“In today’s fast-paced society, people hardly ever find time for leisure activities. The demands of work and family life mean that individuals hardly ever engage in hobbies or pursue personal interests. This lack of downtime can lead to increased stress levels and reduced overall well-being.”
IELTS Speaking Part 2
For a speaking task about daily routines, you might say:
“I hardly ever skip breakfast, as I believe it’s the most important meal of the day. However, I hardly ever have time for a leisurely morning meal during weekdays. On weekends, though, I hardly ever miss the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed brunch with friends or family.”
IELTS Reading
In reading passages, “hardly ever” might appear in contexts describing societal trends or scientific observations. For example:
“Research shows that people living in urban areas hardly ever encounter wildlife in their daily lives, leading to a disconnection from nature.”
Advanced Usage and Band 9 Techniques
To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, consider these advanced techniques:
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Combine with other frequency adverbs:
“I hardly ever go to the cinema, but when I do, I almost always enjoy it.” -
Use in complex sentences:
“Although I hardly ever indulge in desserts, I make an exception for special occasions, believing that moderation is key to a balanced lifestyle.” -
Incorporate into idiomatic expressions:
“In this digital age, we hardly ever put pen to paper, relying instead on keyboards and touchscreens for most of our writing needs.” -
Use with perfect tenses:
“I have hardly ever been more surprised than when I received that unexpected promotion.” -
Employ in conditional sentences:
“If I hardly ever practiced my English, I wouldn’t expect to improve my IELTS score.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect word order:
❌ “I ever hardly go to the gym.”
✅ “I hardly ever go to the gym.” -
Using with ‘do’ for emphasis:
❌ “I do hardly ever eat meat.”
✅ “I hardly ever eat meat.” or “I do eat meat, but hardly ever.” -
Confusing with ‘never’:
❌ “I never hardly study.”
✅ “I hardly ever study.” or “I never study.” -
Using with negative verbs:
❌ “I hardly ever don’t exercise.”
✅ “I hardly ever skip exercise.” -
Overusing in formal writing:
While “hardly ever” is acceptable in formal contexts, overuse can make your writing sound conversational. In academic writing, consider alternatives like “rarely” or “infrequently” for variety.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “hardly ever” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across all sections of the test. Remember to use it to express infrequency, pay attention to word order, and practice incorporating it into complex sentences for higher band scores. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, try to identify contexts where “hardly ever” can be naturally used in your responses, and don’t hesitate to include it in your repertoire of advanced expressions.
To further improve your skills, practice using “hardly ever” in various contexts, such as describing personal habits, discussing societal trends, or explaining scientific phenomena. The more comfortable you become with this phrase, the more naturally you’ll be able to incorporate it into your IELTS responses, demonstrating a high level of English proficiency.