The phrase is grammatically incorrect. It is a double negative, which creates a logical error that means the opposite of what the speaker usually intends.
Now, let’s look at the rebellious cousin: can’t hardly . is it can hardly or cant hardly free
is considered nonstandard / double negative . Example: "I can't hardly hear you." — This is not grammatically correct in formal English because "can't" (cannot) + "hardly" creates a double negative, which logically would mean you can hear easily (though it's often used informally to mean the same as "can hardly"). The phrase is grammatically incorrect
In both cases, "can't hardly" seems to convey the same meaning as "can hardly." However, some argue that it's a less formal or even ungrammatical expression. is considered nonstandard / double negative
He could hardly breathe, the city’s noise pressing softly against his ribs. For years Jonah had measured himself in obligations—emails answered at midnight, duty-bound smiles, shoes worn thin with commuting. Freedom, when spoken of, had always been an abstract: a word people tossed like confetti at parties, bright but impossible to grasp.
Used in professional writing, formal speech, and standard conversation. Can't hardly Non-standard
The short answer is: If you are looking to be grammatically correct, both "can hardly" and "can’t hardly" are considered errors when used to mean "barely able to." The standard, correct phrase is simply "can hardly."
The phrase is grammatically incorrect. It is a double negative, which creates a logical error that means the opposite of what the speaker usually intends.
Now, let’s look at the rebellious cousin: can’t hardly .
is considered nonstandard / double negative . Example: "I can't hardly hear you." — This is not grammatically correct in formal English because "can't" (cannot) + "hardly" creates a double negative, which logically would mean you can hear easily (though it's often used informally to mean the same as "can hardly").
In both cases, "can't hardly" seems to convey the same meaning as "can hardly." However, some argue that it's a less formal or even ungrammatical expression.
He could hardly breathe, the city’s noise pressing softly against his ribs. For years Jonah had measured himself in obligations—emails answered at midnight, duty-bound smiles, shoes worn thin with commuting. Freedom, when spoken of, had always been an abstract: a word people tossed like confetti at parties, bright but impossible to grasp.
Used in professional writing, formal speech, and standard conversation. Can't hardly Non-standard
The short answer is: If you are looking to be grammatically correct, both "can hardly" and "can’t hardly" are considered errors when used to mean "barely able to." The standard, correct phrase is simply "can hardly."