Meaning & use
often
Last updated
UK/ˈɒf.ən/
US/ˈɑː.fən/
Meaning
adverbnot comparable
On many occasions; frequently or at short intervals.
Grammar: Usually before the main verb and after be or an auxiliary: she often walks; she is often late.
Patterns
- often do something
- how often
- very often
- as often as not
We often eat lunch outside when it is warm.
How often do you check your email?
He is often the first to arrive.
Common combinations
- how often
- How often should I water the plant?
- very often
- Trains are very often delayed after storms.
- more often than not
- More often than not, the simple answer is best.
- every so often
- Every so often, she visits her old neighborhood.
Synonyms and how they differ
- frequently
- Slightly more formal; often is the everyday choice.
- regularly
- Emphasizes a fixed pattern or schedule, not just high frequency.
- repeatedly
- Focuses on many separate instances, sometimes unwanted.
- commonly
- Means in many cases or typically; not the same as personal habit.
Opposites
Commonly confused: often or oftenly? often or soften?
often vs oftenly
Oftenly is not standard English; use often for frequency.
often vs soften
Soften changes the vowel sound and means make soft; often concerns frequency.
Practice
Which sentence places often correctly?
Choose one answer.
Before the main verb is the most neutral position; the other orders are awkward or incorrect, especially "to often the market."
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “often”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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