The phrase "hardly a" is often used to indicate a small or insignificant amount or occurrence. Other ways to express this concept include "scarcely a," "barely a," "an occasional," and "rarely a." These synonyms are useful in creating a more varied and nuanced writing style, allowing one to avoid repeating the same phrase or word too frequently. Additionally, these alternatives can add a sense of variety and complexity to a piece of writing by changing the tone or emphasis. In summary, by incorporating a range of synonyms for "hardly a," writers can produce more engaging and dynamic content.