Confused Adverbs

Scarcely and Rarely

Rule: Scarcely implies not quite, hardly; Rarely implies seldom, not often.

Incorrect Usage: (a) Derek scarcely attends parties.

                                (b) I had rarely finished packing when the cab came.

Correct Usage: (a) Derek rarely attends parties.

                              (b) I had scarcely finished packing when the cab came.