Words evolve, and so do our preferences for using them.
One such point of confusion revolves around often times and oftentimes. Are they the same? Is one more correct? Or are we just overthinking it?
Let’s dig into the historical roots, grammatical details, and real-life usage of these adverbial twins to uncover the real difference.
Is it “oftentimes” or “often times”? Only one is grammatically correct in modern English. Learn the difference, when to use each, and how to avoid this common writing error.
Introduction to Oftentimes and Often Times
When it comes to expressing frequency, both oftentimes and often times appear in writing and speech. But here’s the catch: only one of them is widely accepted in formal English.
People often assume often times is a valid phrase, simply breaking oftentimes into two words. But language isn’t always that literal. This article clears up the misconception and shows how usage, not just spelling, makes all the difference.
The Historical Origins of Often and Oftentimes
To understand these terms, we need to go back in time—way back.
- The word “often” stems from the Old English word oft, meaning “frequently.”
- Oftentimes, meanwhile, is a compound form that became popular later, likely to emphasize repetition in speech or prose.
Did you know?
- Oftentimes first showed up in texts in the 14th century.
- It was used more frequently in literary and religious texts, where emphasis was essential.
Dissecting Middle English: Unearthing the Roots
During the Middle English period (roughly 1100–1500 AD), writers loved adding suffixes to intensify meaning. Words like oftentimes were created to sound more poetic or rhetorical.
Here’s a look at how it evolved:
| Form | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Oft | Old English oft | Frequently |
| Often | Middle English adaptation | Frequently (adverb) |
| Oftentimes | Middle English compound | Many times, frequently (intensified) |
By combining oft + -en + times, we get oftentimes, which feels archaic but adds a lyrical flair to writing.
The Evolution of Adverbial Use in American English
In modern American English, adverbs have undergone simplification. That’s why forms like oftentimes started to decline in favor of often, which is shorter and more direct.
However, in early American writing, oftentimes was still used to match the rhythm of speech or writing style.
Example:
“Oftentimes, he would wander through the forest alone.”
Today, this sentence might become:
“He often wandered through the forest alone.”
See the difference? One is poetic. The other is concise. Both are correct, but the context matters.
Oftentimes: Understanding Its Use and Context
Oftentimes is an adverb of frequency, just like often. It means frequently or many times, and it’s still grammatically correct.
When should you use it?
- When writing in a formal, literary, or old-fashioned tone.
- When you want rhythmic emphasis in a sentence.
- In American English, where it’s more commonly accepted than in British usage.
Examples:
- “Oftentimes, we forget the power of kindness.”
- “The answer lies not in theory but in experience, oftentimes gained the hard way.”
Pro tip: If your tone is modern or professional, often is usually better.
The Grammatical Nuances of Often Times
Here’s the truth: often times (two words) is considered a grammatical error in standard English.
Why?
- Times is a noun, not an adverb.
- When paired with often, it creates a redundant and incorrect structure unless it refers to literal events.
Incorrect Usage:
- ❌ “Often times, I feel tired.”
Correct Usage (only if “times” refers to actual instances):
- ✅ “Often, the times we regret the most are when we did nothing.”
In nearly every case, replace often times with either often or oftentimes.
When Two Words Don’t Make a Right: The Misconception
This is where the confusion peaks.
People assume breaking oftentimes into often times makes logical sense. After all, we do say things like:
“There are times when I feel anxious.”
But when you insert often before times without the proper context, it breaks grammatical norms.
The verdict: Oftentimes is a real word. Often times, unless literal, is not.
The Modern Preference: Is Brevity the Soul of Wit?
Yes—and modern usage reflects that.
Today’s writing leans toward clarity and conciseness. As a result:
- Oftentimes has become less common.
- Often is preferred for modern, business, academic, and everyday writing.
Usage Trends (Google Ngram Viewer):
A search of published books shows that often overwhelmingly dominates modern usage. Oftentimes peaked in earlier centuries but is now a stylistic choice rather than a necessity.
Cultural Usage: Oftentimes in American versus British English
Here’s where things get more interesting:
- American English: Oftentimes is acceptable and appears in literature, journalism, and formal writing.
- British English: Considered archaic, overly formal, or even outdated. Writers prefer often for nearly all contexts.
Examples from both regions:
| Phrase | Region | Preferred Term |
|---|---|---|
| “Oftentimes, I wonder why…” | United States | Acceptable |
| “Often, I wonder why…” | United Kingdom | Preferred |
So, if you’re writing for a British audience, skip “oftentimes.”
Adopting Oftentimes: Linguistic Quirks
Some writers deliberately choose oftentimes for tone or stylistic flair. It might show up in:
- Historical fiction
- Poetic prose
- Legal or religious texts
- Formal speeches
Example:
“Oftentimes, justice delayed is justice denied.”
It’s not wrong—just specific.
Synonyms and Antonyms: Expanding Your Vocabulary
If you want to express frequency without repeating “often,” here are some alternatives:
Synonyms for “Oftentimes”
- Frequently
- Regularly
- Repeatedly
- From time to time
- Now and then
- On many occasions
Antonyms
- Rarely
- Occasionally
- Hardly ever
- Seldom
- Infrequently
Using varied terms improves your writing style and keeps your readers engaged.
âť“FAQs Section
1. Is “oftentimes” a real word?
Yes, “oftentimes” is a real word meaning “frequently.” It’s grammatically correct, though considered slightly formal or old-fashioned.
2. Is “often times” grammatically correct?
Not usually. “Often times” (two words) is incorrect unless “times” refers to specific events. Otherwise, use “often” or “oftentimes.”
3. Which should I use: “often” or “oftentimes”?
Use “often” in modern, professional writing. Use “oftentimes” for a poetic, formal, or historical tone when stylistically appropriate.
4. Is “oftentimes” more common in American or British English?
“Oftentimes” is more common and acceptable in American English. In British English, it’s often viewed as archaic or overly formal.
5. Can I use “oftentimes” in academic writing?
It’s better to use “often” in academic or business writing for clarity and conciseness. “Oftentimes” might come across as dated.
6. Why do people say “often times” if it’s incorrect?
It’s a common mistake. Many people assume “oftentimes” can be split into two words, but “often times” is rarely correct in standard grammar.
Conclusion: Clarifying Frequency in Your Writing
Here’s the takeaway:
- Oftentimes is a legitimate, if slightly old-fashioned, word.
- Often times (two words) is almost always incorrect unless referring to literal events.
- For modern writing, often is typically your best choice.
- Use oftentimes when the tone calls for it—but use it thoughtfully.
Language is about clarity and color. The key is knowing which tool to pick for the job.
