The short answer is: Neither. 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 word hardly functions as a negative adverb. It means "almost not" or "only just." is it can hardly or cant hardly free
The word hardly is an "approximate negative" adverb meaning "almost not," "barely," or "scarcely" . Because it already carries a negative sense, adding "not" (as in "can't") creates a double negative . Can Hardly Wait or Can't Hardly Wait? - Ellii The short answer is: Neither
. While "can't hardly" is frequently used in casual conversation and regional dialects, it is technically a double negative and should be avoided in professional or formal writing. English Language & Usage Stack Exchange The Quick Breakdown Standard Choice: "I can hardly wait." Non-Standard Choice: Correct: "She can hardly see without her glasses
To be crystal clear:
If you want to sound polished and clear, follow this one rule: Drop the "not."
Hardly free means "almost not free" – e.g., The prisoner was hardly free after the ankle monitor was attached. This is grammatically fine but unrelated to your keyword’s intent.