Cách Dùng “Hardly” và “Barely” và 100 câu bài tập

“Hardly” và “Barely” là hai từ phổ biến trong tiếng Anh, thường được sử dụng để diễn tả một mức độ rất ít hoặc hầu như không có. Tuy nhiên, do có sự tương đồng về nghĩa, nhiều người học tiếng Anh gặp khó khăn trong việc phân biệt và sử dụng chúng đúng ngữ cảnh.

Học thêm bài cũ tại: Phân biệt “Look” và “See” và 100 câu luyện tập

Hoặc đọc series bài viết luyện thi IELTS online.

Định Nghĩa và Ý Nghĩa Của “Hardly” và “Barely”

“Hardly”

“Hardly” thường mang nghĩa “hầu như không” hoặc “không đáng kể”. Nó thường được dùng để nhấn mạnh rằng một hành động nào đó gần như không xảy ra hoặc xảy ra rất ít.

Ví dụ:

• I hardly know him. (Tôi hầu như không biết anh ấy.)
• She hardly eats anything for breakfast. (Cô ấy hầu như không ăn gì vào bữa sáng.)

“Barely”

“Barely” cũng mang nghĩa “gần như không” nhưng mang ý nghĩa rằng một điều gì đó chỉ vừa đủ hoặc xảy ra với mức độ rất nhỏ. Nó thường dùng để nói rằng một hành động chỉ vừa mới được thực hiện hoặc một sự kiện chỉ vừa mới xảy ra.

Ví dụ:

• He barely passed the exam. (Anh ấy chỉ vừa mới đủ điểm qua kỳ thi.)
• There’s barely enough food for everyone. (Thức ăn chỉ vừa đủ cho mọi người.)

Sự Khác Biệt Giữa “Hardly” và “Barely”

Về Mức Độ

• “Hardly” nhấn mạnh mức độ rất ít hoặc gần như không, trong khi “Barely” thường chỉ một hành động hoặc sự việc vừa mới đạt tới mức tối thiểu.
• Ví dụ: “I can hardly see you in the dark.” (Tôi hầu như không nhìn thấy bạn trong bóng tối.) – nhấn mạnh vào việc không thể nhìn thấy.
• “I can barely see you in the dark.” (Tôi chỉ vừa nhìn thấy bạn trong bóng tối.) – nghĩa là có thể nhìn thấy nhưng rất khó khăn.

Về Sắc Thái Nghĩa

• “Hardly” mang sắc thái phủ định mạnh hơn “Barely”. “Hardly” thường được dùng khi muốn nhấn mạnh vào sự thiếu thốn hoặc gần như không có của một hành động, trong khi “Barely” thiên về diễn tả sự đạt được mức tối thiểu.
• Ví dụ: “He hardly slept last night.” (Anh ấy hầu như không ngủ tối qua.) – nhấn mạnh vào việc ngủ rất ít hoặc không ngủ.
• “He barely slept last night.” (Anh ấy chỉ vừa ngủ một chút tối qua.) – nhấn mạnh vào việc có ngủ nhưng rất ít.

Về Vị Trí Trong Câu

• Cả hai từ “Hardly” và “Barely” thường được đặt trước động từ chính trong câu.
• Ví dụ: “I can hardly believe it.” (Tôi hầu như không thể tin điều đó.)
• “We barely had time to finish our work.” (Chúng tôi chỉ vừa có đủ thời gian để hoàn thành công việc.)

Cách Dùng “Hardly” và “Barely” Trong Câu

Dùng Trong Câu Phủ Định

“Hardly” và “Barely” thường được sử dụng để tạo ra câu mang nghĩa phủ định. Tuy nhiên, chúng không kết hợp với “not” trong câu vì chúng đã mang ý nghĩa phủ định sẵn.

• Sai: I do not hardly know her.
• Đúng: I hardly know her. (Tôi hầu như không biết cô ấy.)
• Sai: He did not barely pass the test.
• Đúng: He barely passed the test. (Anh ấy chỉ vừa đủ điểm qua bài kiểm tra.)

Dùng Với Các Trạng Từ Khác

Cả “Hardly” và “Barely” đều có thể kết hợp với các trạng từ khác để nhấn mạnh hơn vào ý nghĩa của câu.

• Ví dụ: “She could hardly ever understand math.” (Cô ấy hầu như không bao giờ hiểu toán.)
• “I could barely even see the road.” (Tôi gần như không thể nhìn thấy con đường.)

Bài Tập Vận Dụng

Sửa lỗi sai trong câu

1. I could hardly see the mountain because it was barely foggy.
2. She barely had time to finish her breakfast before she hardly left for work.
3. He barely studies for his exams, so he hardly passed.
4. I hardly have any money left after I barely bought groceries.
5. We can hardly find a place to park because there is barely any parking space.
6. The baby is hardly crying, but it’s barely noticeable.
7. I barely have any friends, so I hardly go out.
8. The food was barely cooked, and we could hardly eat it.
9. There was hardly anyone at the party because it was barely advertised.
10. I barely can remember his name because we hardly met.
11. She hardly speaks English, so she can barely understand the instructions.
12. We could hardly hear the music because it was barely turned on.
13. I can hardly believe he barely finished the race.
14. He hardly ever goes out, so he barely knows his neighbors.
15. She barely eats anything, so she hardly gains weight.
16. I could barely see the board because the teacher was hardly writing anything.
17. He was hardly surprised by the news since he barely cared.
18. I can barely keep my eyes open because I hardly slept last night.
19. She barely made any mistakes, so I hardly had to correct her.
20. The restaurant was hardly busy, so we barely had to wait.
21. The weather is barely cold, so we hardly need jackets.
22. He could hardly run because he barely trained.
23. She could barely answer the questions because she hardly studied.
24. I barely saw him at the party because I hardly stayed long.
25. The children are hardly playing because they are barely tired.
26. I could hardly taste the soup because it was barely seasoned.
27. He barely spoke during the meeting because he hardly understood the topic.
28. I can hardly breathe because the air is barely fresh.
29. She hardly recognized him because he barely changed.
30. We could hardly sleep because the room was barely quiet.
31. The store was hardly open, and we barely bought anything.
32. She barely got the job because she hardly prepared for the interview.
33. I hardly enjoyed the movie because I could barely hear it.
34. He could barely finish his meal because he hardly liked it.
35. We barely went out because we hardly had free time.
36. She could hardly concentrate because she barely slept.
37. The music was barely loud, so we could hardly dance.
38. I barely felt the cold because I was hardly outside.
39. He could hardly swim because he barely practiced.
40. I can hardly walk because I barely rested my feet.
41. The room was hardly clean because it was barely vacuumed.
42. We could hardly enjoy our vacation because we barely relaxed.
43. The book is hardly interesting because it’s barely detailed.
44. She could hardly answer because she was barely paying attention.
45. I barely noticed the time because I was hardly looking at the clock.
46. He could barely finish the marathon because he hardly trained.
47. I hardly felt the pain because the cut was barely deep.
48. We barely made it to the show because we hardly left on time.
49. She could barely stay awake because she hardly slept.
50. He was hardly involved because he barely knew the project details.
51. I could barely drive because I was hardly awake.
52. The food was hardly edible because it was barely cooked.
53. She could barely pass the test because she hardly studied.
54. I barely had any energy left because I hardly ate anything.
55. He could hardly see because his glasses were barely clean.
56. She was barely present because she hardly contributed to the discussion.
57. We could hardly recognize the place because it barely changed.
58. I barely talked to him because we hardly met before.
59. She could barely understand because the instructions were hardly clear.
60. I can hardly hear you because your voice is barely audible.
61. He could barely remember the incident because he hardly thought about it.
62. We could hardly find our way because the map was barely detailed.
63. I can hardly find time to relax because I barely have any free time.
64. The water was hardly warm because it was barely heated.
65. I could barely see the movie because I was hardly paying attention.
66. The lecture was hardly engaging because it was barely relevant.
67. She barely managed to get home because she was hardly feeling well.
68. We could hardly see the stars because the sky was barely clear.
69. He barely passed the test because he hardly prepared.
70. I can barely stay focused because I hardly got any sleep.
71. The room was hardly comfortable because it was barely heated.
72. I could barely believe it because I was hardly expecting the news.
73. She was hardly dressed warmly, so she could barely handle the cold.
74. We could hardly finish the project because we barely had any help.
75. He could barely breathe because he was hardly in shape.
76. I hardly need help because I can barely handle it on my own.
77. She was hardly surprised because she barely cared.
78. The soup was hardly hot because it was barely reheated.
79. I could barely recognize him because he hardly looked the same.
80. We could hardly enjoy the show because we barely understood the language.
81. She barely made any progress because she was hardly focused.
82. He could barely hear because he was hardly listening.
83. The exam was hardly difficult because it barely covered any material.
84. I can hardly eat because I barely have any appetite.
85. He was hardly seen at the party because he barely stayed.
86. I can barely lift this box because I hardly have any strength left.
87. The concert was hardly enjoyable because it was barely organized.
88. She could barely walk because she was hardly rested.
89. We could hardly reach the destination because we barely knew the way.
90. He was hardly scared because he barely noticed the danger.
91. I could barely open the door because it was hardly unlocked.
92. The house was hardly visible because it was barely lit.
93. I could hardly read the sign because it was barely visible.
94. The teacher could barely hear the students because they were hardly speaking.
95. I can barely finish my homework because I hardly have any time.
96. He could barely speak because he was hardly conscious.
97. She was hardly interested because it barely affected her.
98. I could barely breathe because the air was hardly moving.
99. He was hardly awake because he barely slept last night.
100. We could hardly see the road because it was barely lit.

Đáp án

1. I could barely see the mountain because it was hardly foggy.
2. She hardly had time to finish her breakfast before she barely left for work.
3. He hardly studies for his exams, so he barely passed.
4. I barely have any money left after I hardly bought groceries.
5. We can barely find a place to park because there is hardly any parking space.
6. The baby is barely crying, but it’s hardly noticeable.
7. I hardly have any friends, so I barely go out.
8. The food was hardly cooked, and we could barely eat it.
9. There was barely anyone at the party because it was hardly advertised.
10. I hardly can remember his name because we barely met.
11. She barely speaks English, so she can hardly understand the instructions.
12. We could barely hear the music because it was hardly turned on.
13. I can barely believe he hardly finished the race.
14. He barely ever goes out, so he hardly knows his neighbors.
15. She hardly eats anything, so she barely gains weight.
16. I could hardly see the board because the teacher was barely writing anything.
17. He was barely surprised by the news since he hardly cared.
18. I can hardly keep my eyes open because I barely slept last night.
19. She hardly made any mistakes, so I barely had to correct her.
20. The restaurant was barely busy, so we hardly had to wait.
21. The weather is hardly cold, so we barely need jackets.
22. He could barely run because he hardly trained.
23. She could hardly answer the questions because she barely studied.
24. I hardly saw him at the party because I barely stayed long.
25. The children are barely playing because they are hardly tired.
26. I could barely taste the soup because it was hardly seasoned.
27. He hardly spoke during the meeting because he barely understood the topic.
28. I can barely breathe because the air is hardly fresh.
29. She barely recognized him because he hardly changed.
30. We could barely sleep because the room was hardly quiet.
31. The store was barely open, and we hardly bought anything.
32. She hardly got the job because she barely prepared for the interview.
33. I barely enjoyed the movie because I could hardly hear it.
34. He could hardly finish his meal because he barely liked it.
35. We hardly went out because we barely had free time.
36. She could barely concentrate because she hardly slept.
37. The music was hardly loud, so we could barely dance.
38. I hardly felt the cold because I was barely outside.
39. He could barely swim because he hardly practiced.
40. I can barely walk because I hardly rested my feet.
41. The room was barely clean because it was hardly vacuumed.
42. We could barely enjoy our vacation because we hardly relaxed.
43. The book is barely interesting because it’s hardly detailed.
44. She could barely answer because she was hardly paying attention.
45. I hardly noticed the time because I was barely looking at the clock.
46. He could hardly finish the marathon because he barely trained.
47. I barely felt the pain because the cut was hardly deep.
48. We barely made it to the show because we hardly left on time.
49. She could hardly stay awake because she barely slept.
50. He was barely involved because he hardly knew the project details.
51. I could hardly drive because I was barely awake.
52. The food was barely edible because it was hardly cooked.
53. She could hardly pass the test because she barely studied.
54. I hardly had any energy left because I barely ate anything.
55. He could barely see because his glasses were hardly clean.
56. She was hardly present because she barely contributed to the discussion.
57. We could barely recognize the place because it hardly changed.
58. I barely talked to him because we hardly met before.
59. She could hardly understand because the instructions were barely clear.
60. I can barely hear you because your voice is hardly audible.
61. He could hardly remember the incident because he barely thought about it.
62. We could barely find our way because the map was hardly detailed.
63. I can hardly find time to relax because I barely have any free time.
64. The water was hardly warm because it was barely heated.
65. I could hardly see the movie because I was barely paying attention.
66. The lecture was barely engaging because it was hardly relevant.
67. She barely managed to get home because she was hardly feeling well.
68. We could hardly see the stars because the sky was barely clear.
69. He hardly passed the test because he barely prepared.
70. I can barely stay focused because I hardly got any sleep.
71. The room was barely comfortable because it was hardly heated.
72. I could barely believe it because I was hardly expecting the news.
73. She was hardly dressed warmly, so she could barely handle the cold.
74. We could barely finish the project because we hardly had any help.
75. He could hardly breathe because he was barely in shape.
76. I barely need help because I can hardly handle it on my own.
77. She was barely surprised because she hardly cared.
78. The soup was barely hot because it was hardly reheated.
79. I could hardly recognize him because he barely looked the same.
80. We could barely enjoy the show because we hardly understood the language.
81. She hardly made any progress because she was barely focused.
82. He could barely hear because he was hardly listening.
83. The exam was barely difficult because it hardly covered any material.
84. I can hardly eat because I barely have any appetite.
85. He was barely seen at the party because he hardly stayed.
86. I can hardly lift this box because I barely have any strength left.
87. The concert was barely enjoyable because it was hardly organized.
88. She could hardly walk because she was barely rested.
89. We could hardly reach the destination because we barely knew the way.
90. He was barely scared because he hardly noticed the danger.
91. I could barely open the door because it was hardly unlocked.
92. The house was barely visible because it was hardly lit.
93. I could hardly read the sign because it was barely visible.
94. The teacher could barely hear the students because they were hardly speaking.
95. I can hardly finish my homework because I barely have any time.
96. He could barely speak because he was hardly conscious.
97. She was hardly interested because it barely affected her.
98. I could barely breathe because the air was hardly moving.
99. He was hardly awake because he barely slept last night.
100. We could barely see the road because it was hardly lit.

Điền từ đúng vào chỗ trống

1. I can ______ believe what I just saw.
2. She ______ had time to finish her breakfast before rushing out the door.
3. He could ______ remember his own name after the accident.
4. We ______ know each other, so I was surprised when he invited me to the party.
5. The concert was so quiet that I could ______ hear the music.
6. They ______ spoke to each other during the entire dinner.
7. The company ______ made any profit last year due to the pandemic.
8. I ______ have time to relax with all the work I have to do.
9. We ______ escaped the storm before it hit the town.
10. The baby is so quiet that I can ______ hear him crying.
11. I ______ recognized her with that new hairstyle.
12. He was so weak that he could ______ stand up.
13. She could ______ keep her eyes open during the lecture.
14. They ______ made it to the train station on time.
15. I ______ saw anyone at the party last night.
16. We ______ managed to finish the project before the deadline.
17. He ______ touched his food at dinner because he wasn’t hungry.
18. I could ______ see the road in the fog.
19. The teacher could ______ hear the students over the noise.
20. She ______ spoke a word during the meeting.
21. There is ______ enough time to complete this assignment.
22. The room was so dark that I could ______ see anything.
23. They ______ had enough money to pay the bills.
24. I ______ go out these days because I’m so busy.
25. He ______ ate anything during the whole day.
26. We ______ have any free time to travel.
27. She could ______ walk after the long hike.
28. The food was so bland that I could ______ taste anything.
29. He ______ moved from his chair during the entire meeting.
30. I could ______ believe what she told me.
31. There is ______ any water left in the bottle.
32. She could ______ understand the instructions because they were unclear.
33. The team ______ made any progress in the project.
34. He could ______ finish the race due to exhaustion.
35. I ______ recognize him in that old photo.
36. The phone battery was so low that I could ______ use it.
37. They ______ know each other, but they still work well together.
38. I ______ had time to catch my breath after running.
39. We could ______ hear the announcement because of the noise.
40. The room was so small that we could ______ move.
41. She ______ made it to the airport before her flight took off.
42. The sun was so bright that I could ______ see anything.
43. He could ______ remember what happened that night.
44. I ______ need any help, thanks. I can manage.
45. They ______ speak to each other after the argument.
46. I could ______ hear her voice over the music.
47. We ______ finished the report on time.
48. She ______ noticed the mistake in the document.
49. He was so tired that he could ______ keep his eyes open.
50. I ______ have any energy left after the workout.
51. They ______ escaped the fire before it spread.
52. I could ______ open the jar because it was so tight.
53. The water was so cold that I could ______ swim.
54. He could ______ walk after the surgery.
55. I ______ remember what I wanted to say.
56. The wind was so strong that we could ______ stand.
57. She could ______ hold back her tears during the sad movie.
58. The soup was so hot that I could ______ taste it.
59. He ______ spoke a word to anyone after the incident.
60. I ______ go to the gym because I have no time.
61. She ______ passed the exam even though she studied hard.
62. They ______ see each other due to their busy schedules.
63. The room was so crowded that I could ______ breathe.
64. He ______ knows what to do in difficult situations.
65. I ______ have time to finish my homework yesterday.
66. The task was so complicated that I could ______ complete it.
67. She ______ made any mistakes in her report.
68. We ______ have enough money to buy the car.
69. He could ______ get out of bed due to his illness.
70. I ______ ever go to the cinema these days.
71. The coffee was so bitter that I could ______ drink it.
72. She ______ slept last night because of the noise.
73. He ______ visits his hometown anymore.
74. The food was so spicy that I could ______ eat it.
75. I ______ understand what he was saying.
76. She ______ remember the details of the conversation.
77. They could ______ find a parking spot near the mall.
78. I ______ hear anything because of the loud music.
79. He could ______ see through his foggy glasses.
80. We ______ made it to the top of the mountain before sunset.
81. The weather was so bad that I could ______ leave the house.
82. She ______ goes out on weekends because she prefers staying home.
83. He could ______ stay awake during the boring lecture.
84. I ______ know anyone at the party.
85. The instructions were so unclear that I could ______ follow them.
86. We ______ have enough food for everyone at the party.
87. I ______ read the text message without my glasses.
88. The dog was so weak that it could ______ stand.
89. She ______ talks about her personal life at work.
90. I ______ find the book I was looking for in the library.
91. He ______ got to the meeting on time because of traffic.
92. We could ______ see the road signs in the heavy rain.
93. She ______ answered her phone during the meeting.
94. He ______ survived the harsh conditions in the wilderness.
95. I ______ know what you’re talking about.
96. The weather was so cold that I could ______ feel my fingers.
97. They ______ made any noise so as not to wake the baby.
98. He ______ came home before midnight because he was working late.
99. The teacher could ______ hear the students’ questions in the noisy classroom.
100. She ______ has any free time because of her busy schedule.

Đáp án

1. I can hardly believe what I just saw.
2. She barely had time to finish her breakfast before rushing out the door.
3. He could barely remember his own name after the accident.
4. We hardly know each other, so I was surprised when he invited me to the party.
5. The concert was so quiet that I could hardly hear the music.
6. They hardly spoke to each other during the entire dinner.
7. The company hardly made any profit last year due to the pandemic.
8. I hardly have time to relax with all the work I have to do.
9. We barely escaped the storm before it hit the town.
10. The baby is so quiet that I can barely hear him crying.
11. I hardly recognized her with that new hairstyle.
12. He was so weak that he could barely stand up.
13. She could barely keep her eyes open during the lecture.
14. They barely made it to the train station on time.
15. I hardly saw anyone at the party last night.
16. We barely managed to finish the project before the deadline.
17. He hardly touched his food at dinner because he wasn’t hungry.
18. I could barely see the road in the fog.
19. The teacher could hardly hear the students over the noise.
20. She hardly spoke a word during the meeting.
21. There is barely enough time to complete this assignment.
22. The room was so dark that I could hardly see anything.
23. They barely had enough money to pay the bills.
24. I hardly go out these days because I’m so busy.
25. He hardly ate anything during the whole day.
26. We hardly have any free time to travel.
27. She could barely walk after the long hike.
28. The food was so bland that I could hardly taste anything.
29. He hardly moved from his chair during the entire meeting.
30. I could barely believe what she told me.
31. There is barely any water left in the bottle.
32. She could hardly understand the instructions because they were unclear.
33. The team barely made any progress in the project.
34. He could barely finish the race due to exhaustion.
35. I hardly recognize him in that old photo.
36. The phone battery was so low that I could barely use it.
37. They hardly know each other, but they still work well together.
38. I barely had time to catch my breath after running.
39. We could hardly hear the announcement because of the noise.
40. The room was so small that we could barely move.
41. She barely made it to the airport before her flight took off.
42. The sun was so bright that I could hardly see anything.
43. He could barely remember what happened that night.
44. I hardly need any help, thanks. I can manage.
45. They hardly speak to each other after the argument.
46. I could hardly hear her voice over the music.
47. We barely finished the report on time.
48. She hardly noticed the mistake in the document.
49. He was so tired that he could barely keep his eyes open.
50. I hardly have any energy left after the workout.
51. They barely escaped the fire before it spread.
52. I could hardly open the jar because it was so tight.
53. The water was so cold that I could hardly swim.
54. He could barely walk after the surgery.
55. I hardly remember what I wanted to say.
56. The wind was so strong that we could barely stand.
57. She could hardly hold back her tears during the sad movie.
58. The soup was so hot that I could barely taste it.
59. He hardly spoke a word to anyone after the incident.
60. I hardly go to the gym because I have no time.
61. She barely passed the exam even though she studied hard.
62. They hardly see each other due to their busy schedules.
63. The room was so crowded that I could barely breathe.
64. He hardly knows what to do in difficult situations.
65. I hardly have time to finish my homework yesterday.
66. The task was so complicated that I could barely complete it.
67. She hardly made any mistakes in her report.
68. We barely have enough money to buy the car.
69. He could barely get out of bed due to his illness.
70. I hardly ever go to the cinema these days.
71. The coffee was so bitter that I could barely drink it.
72. She hardly slept last night because of the noise.
73. He hardly visits his hometown anymore.
74. The food was so spicy that I could barely eat it.
75. I hardly understand what he was saying.
76. She barely remember the details of the conversation.
77. They could barely find a parking spot near the mall.
78. I hardly hear anything because of the loud music.
79. He could barely see through his foggy glasses.
80. We barely made it to the top of the mountain before sunset.
81. The weather was so bad that I could hardly leave the house.
82. She hardly goes out on weekends because she prefers staying home.
83. He could barely stay awake during the boring lecture.
84. I hardly know anyone at the party.
85. The instructions were so unclear that I could hardly follow them.
86. We barely have enough food for everyone at the party.
87. I hardly read the text message without my glasses.
88. The dog was so weak that it could barely stand.
89. She hardly talks about her personal life at work.
90. I barely find the book I was looking for in the library.
91. He barely got to the meeting on time because of traffic.
92. We could hardly see the road signs in the heavy rain.
93. She hardly answered her phone during the meeting.
94. He barely survived the harsh conditions in the wilderness.
95. I hardly know what you’re talking about.
96. The weather was so cold that I could barely feel my fingers.
97. They hardly made any noise so as not to wake the baby.
98. He barely came home before midnight because he was working late.
99. The teacher could barely hear the students’ questions in the noisy classroom.
100. She hardly has any free time because of her busy schedule.

Mặc dù “Hardly” và “Barely” có ý nghĩa tương tự nhau, nhưng chúng lại khác biệt về mức độ và cách sử dụng trong câu. Hiểu rõ sự khác biệt này sẽ giúp bạn sử dụng chúng một cách chính xác và tự nhiên hơn trong giao tiếp hàng ngày.