Is It Can Hardly Or Cant Hardly [exclusive] Free [FAST]

If you were to interpret "can't hardly" literally:

Are you currently working on a where you're unsure which version fits the tone best? is it can hardly or cant hardly free

✅ I can hardly contain my excitement. ✅ She can hardly remember the accident. ✅ We can hardly afford the rent. ❌ I can’t hardly contain my excitement. ❌ She can’t hardly remember. ❌ We can’t hardly afford it. If you were to interpret "can't hardly" literally:

✅ Hardly had I sat down when the phone rang. (Not: Hardly I had sat down... ) invert the subject and auxiliary verb:

When hardly begins a sentence for dramatic effect, invert the subject and auxiliary verb: