Language can be tricky. Certain expressions sound perfectly normal in casual conversation but raise eyebrows in polished writing. One such pair is “often times” and “oftentimes.” At first glance, they seem interchangeable, and in many contexts, both are used without much thought. But when we dig deeper, questions arise: Which form is correct? Is one outdated? Does it matter in formal writing? Often Times or Oftentimes.
This article will break down the history, grammar, usage, and stylistic nuances of often times vs. oftentimes. Along the way, you’ll see real-life examples, usage tables, and expert insights so you can confidently choose the right word every time.
The Core Difference Between “Often Times” and “Oftentimes”
At their core, both “often times” and “oftentimes” carry the same meaning: frequently, on many occasions, or regularly.
But here’s the subtle distinction:
| Expression | Part of Speech | Meaning | Formality | Modern Usage |
| Oftentimes | Adverb | Frequently; many times | Semi-formal; more literary | Still acceptable but less common |
| Often times | Phrase (adverbial) | Frequently; on many occasions | Informal; sometimes considered redundant | Rare in formal writing |
The word “oftentimes” is the older, single-word adverb. Meanwhile, “often times” is essentially a phrase formed by pairing “often” with “times.”
Grammarians generally agree: “oftentimes” is correct, concise, and recognized, while “often times” can appear clunky or redundant.
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Historical Origins of Both Forms
Words often carry fascinating journeys through history.
- Oftentimes
- Traces back to late Middle English (14th century).
- Originated as an extended form of “oft” plus “times.”
- Popular in literature during the Victorian period and found in works by Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
- Merriam-Webster and Oxford Dictionaries still list it as a valid adverb.
- Traces back to late Middle English (14th century).
- Often Times
- Emerged later as a phrasal substitute for “oftentimes.”
- Common in colloquial American English but rarely seen in British English.
- By the 20th century, style guides started discouraging its use, calling it wordy or non-standard.
- Emerged later as a phrasal substitute for “oftentimes.”
Think of “oftentimes” as a historical, slightly old-fashioned relic that survived modernization, while “often times” was more of a casual invention.
Grammar and Correctness
Both phrases function as adverbs, modifying verbs to indicate frequency.
- Correct usage of “oftentimes”:
- “Oftentimes, people underestimate the power of small acts of kindness.”
- Here, it neatly introduces a general truth.
- “Oftentimes, people underestimate the power of small acts of kindness.”
- Correct usage of “often times” (less recommended):
- “Often times, she found herself daydreaming during class.”
- Acceptable, but many editors would change it to “Oftentimes, she found herself…”
- “Often times, she found herself daydreaming during class.”
From a grammar standpoint, “oftentimes” wins because it’s recognized as a single, established word. “Often times” feels like an unnecessary split—almost like writing “every day” when you mean “everyday.”
Usage in Modern English
The NGRAM Viewer (which analyzes how often words appear in books) shows that:
- “Oftentimes” peaked in popularity in the 1800s, then declined.
- “Often times” appears far less frequently and is rarely used in academic writing today.
In American English, you might still hear “often times” in speech or casual blogs. In British English, “oftentimes” is the only version that sounds natural—though even then, most people simply use “often.”
Quick Tip: If you’re writing for business, academia, or publishing—stick with “oftentimes” or just “often.”
Style, Tone, and Context
Choosing between the two isn’t just about grammar—it’s about tone and clarity.
- Oftentimes
- Has a slightly formal, literary, or poetic feel.
- Works well in essays, speeches, or storytelling.
- Adds rhythm to a sentence without sounding too casual.
- Has a slightly formal, literary, or poetic feel.
- Often times
- Sounds casual and conversational.
- Fine in informal writing or dialogue but can appear sloppy in professional contexts.
- Sounds casual and conversational.
Think of it this way:
- If you’re writing a scholarly article → use oftentimes (or better yet, often).
- If you’re telling a story in a blog → either can work, but oftentimes is still cleaner.
Examples in Sentences
Here’s how both expressions play out:
| Sentence | Natural? | Why |
| “Oftentimes, success is the result of perseverance.” | ✅ Polished and clear | Concise, grammatically correct |
| “Often times, success is the result of perseverance.” | ⚠️ Acceptable but clunky | Sounds redundant; editors prefer oftentimes |
| “He visits his grandmother oftentimes on weekends.” | ✅ Slightly formal | Acceptable but may sound literary |
| “He visits his grandmother often times on weekends.” | ⚠️ Unnatural | Better to use often or oftentimes |
Notice how “often” alone often works just as well:
- “He often visits his grandmother on weekends.” (Simplest, clearest choice.)
Alternatives and Synonyms
If you want to avoid the debate altogether, use synonyms.
| Word / Phrase | Register | Example |
| Often | Neutral | “She often drinks tea before bed.” |
| Frequently | Formal | “The issue frequently occurs in this program.” |
| Many times | Informal | “I’ve told you many times already!” |
| Regularly | Neutral | “The team meets regularly to discuss progress.” |
| Occasionally | Softer | “Occasionally, I enjoy reading poetry.” |
“Often” is by far the most common and versatile option. It’s short, clear, and avoids any chance of sounding archaic.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
- Mistake 1: Treating “often times” as the standard form.
Many learners assume it’s correct because it sounds natural in speech. But in formal writing, it’s frowned upon. - Mistake 2: Thinking “oftentimes” is outdated.
While it has old roots, it’s still alive and listed in modern dictionaries. It just feels a little formal. - Mistake 3: Using both in the same text.
Switching between the two can confuse readers. Pick one style and stay consistent.
Practical Tips for Writers
- For clarity: Use “often.”
- For rhythm and variety: Use “oftentimes” sparingly.
- For casual dialogue: “Often times” may sound natural, but avoid it in polished writing.
- For SEO or keyword-rich content: Both terms can be included since people search for them interchangeably.
FAQs
Q1: Is “oftentimes” grammatically correct?
Yes, it’s a correct adverb recognized by major dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Oxford.
Q2: Should I use “often times” in academic writing?
No, it’s considered redundant and less professional. Stick with oftentimes or often.
Q3: Is “oftentimes” old-fashioned?
It has an old-fashioned charm, but it’s still acceptable today—just not as common as “often.”
Q4: Do British and American English differ here?
Yes. British English almost never uses “often times,” while American English sometimes does in casual contexts.
Q5: What’s the simplest alternative?
“Often” is the simplest, clearest, and most widely preferred choice.
Conclusion
Both “often times” and “oftentimes” mean the same thing: frequently or on many occasions. But usage, tone, and correctness separate them. “Oftentimes” is the historically correct and recognized adverb, while “often times” is seen as a casual, redundant variation.
When in doubt, choose “often”—the cleanest, most universally accepted option. But if you want to add a touch of rhythm or a literary flair, “oftentimes” can work beautifully.
Language evolves, and so do our preferences. The key is knowing your audience and choosing the word that best fits the tone, context, and clarity of your writing.
