The correct phrase is "can hardly." Grammatically, "hardly" is already a negative word meaning "almost not" or "barely". Using it with "can't" creates a double negative
Days folded into one another. He woke late and learned to cook for pleasure, not speed. He took a bus without checking his phone and read books he had shelved for years. Sometimes, in the small hours, loneliness crept in like a draft. He could hardly think of himself as whole; old habits tugged him toward the tidy safety of a routine. Still he stayed. Each small refusal to return—each unanswered work email—added up. is it can hardly or cant hardly free
"I can't hardly wait." (Colloquial but logically repetitive) Why "Can Hardly" is Correct The correct phrase is "can hardly
❌ Incorrect (nonstandard):
However, in informal settings, particularly in certain regional dialects, "can't hardly" may be used and understood by native speakers. Nevertheless, if you're unsure which phrase to use, it's always safer to opt for "can hardly" to avoid any confusion. He took a bus without checking his phone
The word "hardly" does all the heavy lifting for you. By pairing it with the positive "can," you convey that an action is nearly impossible—which is exactly what you’re trying to say.