"Hard"
* Adjective: Describes something that is difficult, challenging, or requiring effort.
* Examples: "The test was hard," "It's hard to believe he's gone."
* Adverb: Modifies a verb to show the manner or intensity of an action.
* Examples: "He worked hard on the project," "She studied hard for the exam."
"Hardly"
* Adverb: Means "almost not" or "scarcely." It expresses a lack of something.
* Examples: "I hardly knew him," "There was hardly any food left."
Key Differences:
* Meaning: "Hard" means difficult or requiring effort, while "hardly" means almost not or scarcely.
* Usage: "Hard" can be an adjective or adverb. "Hardly" is only an adverb.
Common Mistakes:
* Using "hardly" when you mean "hard": "I worked hardly on this project" should be "I worked hard on this project."
* Using "hard" when you mean "hardly": "I hard know anything about that" should be "I hardly know anything about that."
Examples:
* Hard:
* "The exam was hard." (adjective)
* "She tried hard to understand." (adverb)
* Hardly:
* "I hardly recognize him." (adverb)
* "There was hardly any milk left." (adverb)
Remember: If you are expressing difficulty or effort, use "hard." If you are expressing a lack of something, use "hardly."