Oftentimes vs Often: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Are you confused about when to use “oftentimes” versus “often”? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect the clarity of your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of each word and provide guidance on when to use them.

Let’s address the question of which word is proper. Both “oftentimes” and “often” are correct English words, but “often” is more commonly used in modern writing. “Oftentimes” is considered archaic by some, but it is still used in formal writing and speech.

So, what do these words mean? “Oftentimes” is an adverb that means “frequently” or “many times.” It is often used to emphasize the frequency of an action or occurrence. For example, “Oftentimes, I find myself lost in thought while walking my dog.”

“Often,” on the other hand, is also an adverb that means “frequently” or “many times.” However, it is less emphatic than “oftentimes” and is more commonly used in everyday speech and writing. For example, “I often listen to music while I work.”

Now that we’ve established the definitions of each word, let’s dive deeper into when to use them.

Define Oftentimes

Oftentimes is an adverb that means frequently or many times. It is a compound word that combines the words “often” and “times.” The term is often used interchangeably with the word “often,” but it is considered less formal and more colloquial. Oftentimes is commonly used in spoken English and informal writing, but it may not be appropriate for more formal situations.

Define Often

Often is an adverb that means frequently or many times. It is a common word that is used in both spoken and written English. Unlike oftentimes, often is considered more formal and appropriate for use in most situations. The word often is derived from the Old English word “oft,” which means frequently or repeatedly. It is a simple and straightforward term that is easy to understand and use.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. It helps to convey the intended message accurately and without ambiguity. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “oftentimes” and “often” in a sentence.

How To Use “Oftentimes” In A Sentence

“Oftentimes” is an adverb that means “frequently” or “many times.”

Here are some examples of how to use “oftentimes” in a sentence:

• Oftentimes, people underestimate the power of positive thinking.
• She would oftentimes spend hours reading books in the library.
• Oftentimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective ones.

Note that “oftentimes” is a more formal and less commonly used word than “often.” It is typically used in written language or formal speech.

How To Use “Often” In A Sentence

“Often” is an adverb that means “frequently” or “many times.”

Here are some examples of how to use “often” in a sentence:

• I often go for a run in the morning before work.
• She often forgets to turn off the lights when she leaves the room.
• They often visit their grandparents on the weekends.

“Often” is a more commonly used word than “oftentimes” and is appropriate for both written and spoken language.

It is important to note that “often” and “oftentimes” are interchangeable in most cases. However, “oftentimes” is more formal and less commonly used, while “often” is more informal and commonly used.

More Examples Of Oftentimes & Often Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide you with more examples of how to use oftentimes and often in a sentence. By understanding how these words are used in context, you can better determine which one to use in your own writing.

Examples Of Using Oftentimes In A Sentence

• Oftentimes, people underestimate the power of positive thinking.
• She oftentimes spends her weekends volunteering at the local animal shelter.
• Oftentimes, it’s the small things in life that bring us the most joy.
• He oftentimes forgets to turn off the lights when he leaves the room.
• Oftentimes, the best ideas come when we least expect them.
• She oftentimes gets lost in thought while listening to music.
• Oftentimes, the simplest solution is the best one.
• He oftentimes wakes up early to go for a run before work.
• Oftentimes, it’s the journey that’s more important than the destination.
• She oftentimes reads books before going to bed.

Examples Of Using Often In A Sentence

• I often go to the gym after work.
• He often forgets his keys in the morning rush.
• She often takes her dog for a walk in the park.
• Often, the best way to learn is by making mistakes.
• He often listens to music while he works.
• She often cooks dinner for her family.
• Often, the most successful people are the ones who never give up.
• He often spends his weekends hiking in the mountains.
• She often goes to the movies with her friends.
• Often, the things we worry about never actually happen.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words oftentimes and often, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is not correct, as oftentimes and often have different meanings and uses. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using “Oftentimes” And “Often” Interchangeably

While oftentimes and often both refer to frequency, oftentimes implies a higher frequency than often. Oftentimes means “many times” or “frequently,” while often means “many times, on many occasions, or in many cases.” Therefore, using oftentimes when you mean often can make your sentence sound exaggerated or hyperbolic.

Mistake #2: Using “Oftentimes” In Formal Writing

Oftentimes is considered to be less formal than often. Therefore, it is best to avoid using oftentimes in formal writing such as academic papers, business reports, or legal documents. Instead, use often or frequently.

Mistake #3: Using “Often” As An Adverb Of Manner

Often should not be used as an adverb of manner. For example, “He often speaks loudly” is incorrect. Instead, use an adverb of manner such as loudly, softly, or quickly. The correct sentence would be “He speaks loudly often.”

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Pay attention to the context and frequency when using oftentimes and often.
• Use often instead of oftentimes in formal writing.
• Use an adverb of manner with often instead of using it as an adverb of manner.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words oftentimes and often can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words are adverbs that indicate frequency, oftentimes is considered more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation. Understanding the context in which each word is used can help you choose the appropriate word to use in your writing or speech.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between oftentimes and often might change:

Context	Appropriate Word Choice
Formal Writing	Oftentimes
Informal Writing	Often
Academic Writing	Oftentimes
Everyday Conversation	Often

In formal writing, such as academic papers or professional reports, oftentimes is the more appropriate word choice because it is considered more formal and less colloquial. In contrast, in informal writing or everyday conversation, often is more commonly used and oftentimes may sound out of place or overly formal.

Another factor to consider is the frequency being described. For example, if you are describing something that happens frequently but not necessarily all the time, often may be the more appropriate word choice. However, if you are describing something that happens very frequently or almost all the time, oftentimes may be more appropriate.

Overall, the choice between oftentimes and often depends on the context in which they are used and the frequency being described. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the appropriate word to use in your writing or speech.

Exceptions To The Rules

While oftentimes and often are generally used interchangeably, there are some exceptions where the rules for using these words might not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Emphasis On Frequency

If you want to emphasize the frequency of an action, oftentimes might be a better choice than often. For instance:

• Incorrect: I often go to the gym.
• Correct: I oftentimes go to the gym.

In this case, using oftentimes emphasizes that going to the gym is a frequent occurrence for the speaker.

2. Formal Writing

In formal writing, oftentimes may be considered too informal. In such cases, it is better to use often. For example:

• Incorrect: Oftentimes, businesses struggle to survive in a competitive market.
• Correct: Often, businesses struggle to survive in a competitive market.

Using often instead of oftentimes makes the sentence sound more formal and professional.

3. Regional Differences

There may be regional differences in the use of oftentimes and often. For example, in British English, oftentimes is not commonly used. Instead, people tend to use often or frequently. On the other hand, in American English, oftentimes is more commonly used.

It is important to be aware of these regional differences and adjust your language accordingly, depending on your audience and context.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of oftentimes and often requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence.

1. I _____ go to the gym in the morning.	often / oftentimes	Answer: often
2. _____, I forget to bring my lunch to work.	often / oftentimes	Answer: oftentimes
3. The movie theater is _____ crowded on weekends.	often / oftentimes	Answer: often
4. _____, I find myself daydreaming in class.	often / oftentimes	Answer: oftentimes
5. John _____ forgets his keys at home.	often / oftentimes	Answer: often

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences to use oftentimes or often correctly.

1. She _____ complains about her job. Answer: oftentimes
2. I _____ go to the beach on weekends. Answer: often
3. _____ times, I wonder if I made the right choice. Answer: Oftentimes
4. He _____ forgets his anniversary. Answer: often
5. _____ I feel like I’m not good enough. Answer: oftentimes

After completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of when to use oftentimes and often. Keep practicing and soon it will become second nature!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “oftentimes” and “often” may seem small, but it is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context. “Oftentimes” is a more formal and archaic term that is often used in written language, while “often” is more commonly used in spoken language and informal writing.

It is important to note that using “oftentimes” instead of “often” does not necessarily make your writing more sophisticated or intelligent. In fact, it can sometimes come across as pretentious or outdated.

When it comes to grammar and language use, it is always beneficial to continue learning and expanding your knowledge. By paying attention to small details like the difference between “oftentimes” and “often,” you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

Key Takeaways:

• “Oftentimes” is a more formal and archaic term
• “Often” is more commonly used in spoken language and informal writing
• Using “oftentimes” does not necessarily make your writing more sophisticated
• Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing