Is It | Can Hardly Or Cant Hardly Free 'link'
The correct phrase is "can hardly." While you might hear "can't hardly" in casual conversation or regional dialects, it is considered a double negative and is grammatically incorrect in standard formal writing. Gotham Writers Why "Can Hardly" is Correct
In English, the word "hardly" already functions as a negative adverb meaning "almost not" or "barely". Because it is already negative, adding "can't" (can not) creates two negatives that technically cancel each other out. English Language & Usage Stack Exchange Standard Usage: "I can hardly wait" (I am barely able to wait). Double Negative: is it can hardly or cant hardly free
If you find yourself reaching for "can't hardly," try these standard alternatives instead: Incorrect (Non-standard) Correct (Standard) I breathe. I can hardly breathe. It is very difficult to breathe. He couldn’t hardly walk. He could hardly walk. Walking was nearly impossible for him. We can’t hardly wait! We can hardly wait! We are extremely excited. Other Tricky "Hardly" Pairs The correct phrase is "can hardly