Have you ever written “often times” in an email or essay and wondered if it’s actually correct? Or maybe you’ve spotted “oftentimes” in an older novel and thought, wait… is that even a real word? You’re not alone.
“Often times” and “oftentimes” have puzzled writers and readers for generations, and the confusion doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
So, what’s the difference between often times and oftentimes? Which one should you use—and when?
Let’s dig into the origin, usage, and modern preferences for both, so you can write with confidence and avoid this common grammatical misstep.
Is it “often times” or “oftentimes”? While “oftentimes” is a correct adverb meaning “frequently,” “often times” is not standard and is generally considered incorrect. Discover why—and when to use which.
Introduction to Oftentimes and Often Times
Let’s set the record straight early on:
- Oftentimes is a legitimate, recognized adverb.
- Often times (two separate words) is not standard and is generally considered a mistake or a misinterpretation of “oftentimes.”
You might see “often times” pop up in informal writing, but that doesn’t make it correct. In fact, grammar purists and style guides alike agree—“oftentimes” is the only form you should be using, if you’re not just sticking with “often.”
The Historical Origins of Often and Oftentimes
To understand the confusion, we need to go back—way back.
The word often traces its roots to Old English “oft,” meaning frequently. As English evolved, oft gave way to often, and for a while, both coexisted in literature and speech.
Then came oftentimes—a compound that essentially means frequently, just like often does. It’s formed by combining:
- Oft (frequent)
- en (an adverbial suffix)
- times (occurrences)
It’s a little redundant, sure. But in earlier centuries, redundancy was emphasis.
Dissecting Middle English: Unearthing the Roots
In Middle English (1100–1500), you’ll find plenty of examples of oftentimes used in poetry and prose. Authors of the time leaned heavily on repetition and rhythm. Adding -times to an adverb wasn’t seen as redundant—it was just good style.
Consider Chaucer, who frequently used constructions like “oftentimes” and “seldomtimes.” These added musicality to the language and made meaning crystal clear.
“Oftentimes, the knight would ride alone…”
— The Canterbury Tales (paraphrased)
By contrast, “often times” as two words rarely—if ever—appeared in writing until modern typographical or autocorrect errors started creeping in.
The Evolution of Adverbial Use in American English
American English, compared to British English, tends to favor shorter, more efficient expressions. This is likely why oftentimes started falling out of favor in the U.S. by the mid-20th century, with writers preferring the simpler often.
That said, oftentimes hasn’t disappeared completely.
Frequency of Usage in American English
| Term | Frequency (Google Books Ngram 2000–2020) |
|---|---|
| Often | Extremely high |
| Oftentimes | Moderate |
| Often times | Rare and nonstandard |
Writers like Mark Twain and Ralph Waldo Emerson used oftentimes unapologetically, proving it has held its place—even if it’s no longer fashionable in academic circles.
Oftentimes: Understanding Its Use and Context
Oftentimes is an adverb meaning “frequently” or “on many occasions.” It is interchangeable with often, but tends to be more formal or literary.
Examples:
- “Oftentimes, people ignore advice until it’s too late.”
- “She oftentimes reflects on her childhood memories.”
You’ll most likely see it:
- In literature
- In academic essays
- In formal speeches
It adds a poetic or reflective tone, which can be effective when used sparingly.
The Grammatical Nuances of Often Times
Now let’s talk about “often times”—with the space in between.
This version is not grammatically correct as an adverbial phrase. It’s an incorrect attempt to separate a compound word that isn’t meant to be broken apart.
Why It Happens:
- Autocorrect errors
- Misunderstanding the structure of “oftentimes”
- Overgeneralizing patterns like “sometimes,” “many times,” or “at times”
How It Can Be Misused:
- ❌ “Often times I go running in the morning.”
- ✅ “Oftentimes I go running in the morning.”
- ✅ “Many times I go running in the morning.”
- ✅ “Often, I go running in the morning.”
While “often times” may occasionally appear in blogs or casual writing, most style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago) advise avoiding it completely.
When Two Words Don’t Make a Right: The Misconception
Let’s be clear: Just because “many times” and “some times” are valid doesn’t mean “often times” is.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Phrase | Standard? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Oftentimes | âś… Yes | Frequently |
| Often times | ❌ No | Nonstandard (avoid it) |
| Many times | âś… Yes | Numerous occasions |
| At times | âś… Yes | Occasionally |
Lesson: Not all combinations of adverb + “times” are grammatically valid.
The Modern Preference: Is Brevity the Soul of Wit?
William Shakespeare once wrote, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” That sentiment rings true in modern English.
Most editors, writing coaches, and even grammar apps prefer:
- “Often” for everyday writing
- “Oftentimes” for formal, poetic, or rhetorical use
When to Choose “Oftentimes”:
- When you want to sound reflective or literary
- When writing a formal speech or narrative
- When variety in tone is important
For most modern purposes, though, often is all you need.
Cultural Usage: Oftentimes in American versus British English
Interestingly, oftentimes is more common in American English than British English. British writers and speakers often avoid it entirely, opting instead for:
- Often
- Frequently
- Usually
Comparison Table
| Region | Preferred Usage |
|---|---|
| United States | Often, Oftentimes (both valid) |
| United Kingdom | Often, rarely Oftentimes |
Even in the U.S., some consider oftentimes a bit archaic—but that doesn’t make it incorrect.
Adopting Oftentimes: Linguistic Quirks
Language isn’t just about rules—it’s about rhythm, tone, and style. Oftentimes may sound old-fashioned, but it still has a place in modern writing when used thoughtfully.
Use it:
- To create emphasis
- To establish a reflective tone
- As a stylistic variation in formal essays or narratives
But don’t overuse it. Overusing archaisms can make your writing sound forced or unnatural.
Synonyms and Antonyms: Expanding Your Vocabulary
To avoid repetition, try swapping often or oftentimes with these alternatives.
Synonyms:
- Frequently
- Regularly
- Repeatedly
- Routinely
- From time to time (less frequent)
- On occasion
Antonyms:
- Rarely
- Seldom
- Hardly ever
- Infrequently
âť“ 6 FAQs
Is “oftentimes” grammatically correct?
Yes, “oftentimes” is a legitimate adverb meaning “frequently” or “on many occasions.” It’s slightly formal and more common in literature or academic writing.
Is “often times” correct to use?
No, “often times” is a nonstandard form and should be avoided in formal writing. It likely results from misunderstanding the correct term “oftentimes.”
Can I use “often” instead of “oftentimes”?
Absolutely. “Often” is simpler, more modern, and widely accepted in both casual and formal writing.
Why does “often times” appear online if it’s wrong?
It often shows up due to autocorrect errors or confusion with valid phrases like “many times” or “at times,” but it’s still not grammatically correct.
Is “oftentimes” outdated or too formal?
Not necessarily. It’s more literary or rhetorical, but still valid. Use it to add emphasis or a reflective tone—but don’t overuse it.
How can I remember which form is correct?
Just remember: “Oftentimes” is one word and correct. “Often times” (two words) isn’t standard. When in doubt, stick with “often.”
Conclusion: Clarifying Frequency in Your Writing
So, what’s the takeaway?
- “Oftentimes” is correct, though somewhat formal or literary.
- “Often times” is not standard and should be avoided in professional or academic writing.
- When in doubt, just use often. It’s clean, simple, and universally accepted.
Mastering this subtle distinction between oftentimes and often times will not only improve your grammar—it’ll elevate the clarity and credibility of your writing.
Keep it sharp, keep it simple, and let context guide your choice.
