On the journey to mastering English, using phrases and idioms as naturally as a native speaker is a goal many learners aspire to. Two phrases that are often confusing but incredibly useful for expressing low frequency are "Hardly ever" and "Once in a blue moon". Both mean "almost never" or "very rarely," but they have different nuances and usage. In Part 1 of this series, we will dissect in detail their usage, grammar, and subtle differences so you can confidently apply them in daily communication.

What is 'Hardly ever' and how to use it correctly?

"Hardly ever" is an adverb of frequency that means "almost never" or "very seldom." It describes an action that occurs with a very low frequency, almost zero. The important thing to remember is that "hardly ever" itself carries a negative meaning. Therefore, it is classified as a negative adverb in English.

Because of its negative nature, you must never use it in a sentence that already contains another negative word like "not" or "don't/doesn't/didn't".

• INCORRECT: I don't hardly ever go to the cinema.
• CORRECT: I hardly ever go to the cinema.

What is the position of 'Hardly ever' in a sentence?

The position of "Hardly ever" follows the general rules for adverbs of frequency in English:

1. Before the main verb:

• Example: She hardly ever complains about her work.

• Example: We hardly ever eat out because it's too expensive.

2. After the verb "to be":

• Example: He is hardly ever late for appointments.

• Example: The shops are hardly ever crowded on a Tuesday morning.

3. Between an auxiliary verb and the main verb:

• Example: You can hardly ever see the stars in a big city due to light pollution.

• Example: I have hardly ever visited that museum.

What does 'Once in a blue moon' mean and what is its origin?

"Once in a blue moon" is an idiom that means "extremely rarely." Its level of infrequency is even higher than "hardly ever." This idiom originates from a real astronomical phenomenon.

A "blue moon" is not a moon that is blue in color, but rather the term for the second full moon that occurs within the same calendar month. Since the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, having two full moons in one month is very rare, happening only about once every 2-3 years. It is because of this rarity that the phrase "once in a blue moon" was born to describe events that seldom happen.

Examples:

• My brother lives in Australia, so I only get to see him once in a blue moon.

• A student as brilliant as her comes along once in a blue moon.

When to use 'Hardly ever' vs. 'Once in a blue moon'?

This is the most important question for using these two phrases correctly. Although they both express low frequency, they have differences in nuance and context.

• Formality:
  "Hardly ever" can be used in both formal writing and everyday conversation. It is more neutral.
  "Once in a blue moon" is an idiom, so it is more informal, colloquial, and typically used in spoken language or less formal writing.

• Emphasis:
  "Hardly ever" describes a habit or an action that almost never happens. For example: "I hardly ever drink coffee." (This could mean I have it once or twice a year, or not at all).
  "Once in a blue moon" often emphasizes the special and rare nature of an event. It not only speaks of low frequency but also implies that when the event does happen, it's a special occasion. For example: "We only go to that Michelin-starred restaurant once in a blue moon." (This implies it's a very special and infrequent treat).

Mastering the use of adverbs and idioms of frequency will help you express your ideas more accurately and versatilely. Instead of repeating "sometimes" or "rarely," try using "hardly ever" and "once in a blue moon" to make your answers more natural and impressive.

Conclusion

Through Part 1, we have learned the definitions, usage, sentence position, and fundamental differences between "Hardly ever" and "Once in a blue moon". To summarize:

• Hardly ever: A negative adverb, used in various contexts (formal and informal), follows the position rules for adverbs of frequency.
• Once in a blue moon: An idiom, more informal, emphasizes the rarity and special nature of an event, often placed at the beginning or end of a sentence.

Practice making sentences with these two phrases to use them fluently. In Part 2, we will explore other synonymous phrases and common mistakes. Don't miss it!