Oftentimes vs. Often Times – Which is Correct?
Oftentimes is the standard one-word spelling of the adverb meaning “often” or “frequently.” “Often times” is sometimes written as a two-word variant, but most edited English prefers “oftentimes,” especially in formal writing. Use “often” for the simplest, most natural choice in nearly every sentence and context in contemporary English today.
Oftentimes or Often Times – Which is Correct?
Oftentimes is the preferred standard spelling when you mean “often” or “frequently.” It is an adverb and should ordinarily be written as one word. Often times is sometimes used as a spaced variant, particularly in informal writing, but many editors and style guides consider it less standard or unnecessary.
There is one important distinction: often times can be grammatically correct when times is a separate noun. For example, in “There were often times when she felt uncertain,” often modifies the noun times. However, when the entire expression is intended to mean “frequently,” use oftentimes or, more naturally, often.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the single-word swap test: replace the expression with “frequently.” If the sentence still makes sense, write oftentimes as one word—or choose the simpler word often. Reserve often times for sentences in which times clearly means occasions or instances.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| oftentimes | Adverb | Often; frequently | Oftentimes, careful planning prevents delays. |
| often times | Adverbial variant or adjective-plus-noun phrase | Usually a less-preferred spelling of “oftentimes”; can also mean frequent occasions | There were often times when the road was closed. |
How to Use Oftentimes
Oftentimes is an adverb that means “often,” “frequently,” or “on many occasions.” It can appear at the beginning, in the middle, or near the end of a sentence. At the beginning of a sentence, it is commonly followed by a comma.
The word is grammatically correct in American English, but it can sound somewhat formal, literary, old-fashioned, or emphatic. In everyday conversation and most modern writing, often is usually more concise and natural.
Example 1: Oftentimes, the simplest solution is the most effective.
Example 2: Successful teams oftentimes communicate clearly before problems arise.
Example 3: People who work remotely can oftentimes adjust their schedules more easily.
Etymology of the Word Oftentimes
Oftentimes developed from the older expression often times, in which often meant frequently and times referred to occasions. Over time, the expression became lexicalized as the single adverb oftentimes. The word often itself comes from Middle English forms related to Old English oft, meaning frequently or many times.
Related Concepts
Understanding adverbs and compound words helps clarify why oftentimes is normally written as one word while often times may occasionally function as two separate words.
- Adverbs: Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or entire clauses. In Oftentimes, she travels for work, oftentimes describes how frequently she travels.
- Compound words: A compound word combines elements into a single established unit. Oftentimes is conventionally treated as one compound adverb in edited English.
- Word spacing: Spacing can affect meaning. In often times, often may modify the noun times; in oftentimes, the whole word means “frequently.”
- Register: Register refers to the level of formality associated with a word or phrase. Often is neutral and common, while oftentimes can sound more formal or literary.
Examples from Media and Literature
The following examples reflect common uses in journalism, essays, nonfiction, and literary-style prose:
This spelling distinction resembles the comparison in Occasionally vs. Occassionally, where one letter changes the accepted form.
- News-style writing: Oftentimes, local officials must balance immediate needs with long-term planning.
- Health writing: Oftentimes, small changes in sleep habits can improve daytime concentration.
- Business writing: Customers oftentimes remain loyal when companies respond transparently to mistakes.
- Literary prose: Oftentimes, memory preserves a feeling more clearly than it preserves a precise date.
- Academic writing: Historical explanations oftentimes reflect the assumptions of the period in which they were written.
Oftentimes Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Often | Frequently or regularly; the most common neutral alternative |
| Frequently | At regular or numerous intervals |
| Regularly | Repeatedly or according to a consistent pattern |
| Repeatedly | Again and again |
| Many times | On numerous occasions |
| Quite commonly | With considerable frequency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “oftentimes” one word or two?
The standard spelling of the adverb meaning “often” is oftentimes, written as one word. In most contexts, often is an even more natural choice.
Question 2: Is “often times” incorrect?
When often times is intended to mean “frequently,” it is generally considered a less-preferred or nonstandard variant in edited English. However, it can be correct when times is a separate noun, as in “There were often times when we disagreed.”
Question 3: Is “oftentimes” formal?
Yes. Although it is grammatically correct, oftentimes can sound more formal, literary, or old-fashioned than often. Use often when you want the clearest and most conversational wording.
Question 4: Can “oftentimes” begin a sentence?
Yes. For example: “Oftentimes, preparation matters more than speed.” When it introduces the sentence, it is commonly followed by a comma.
Conclusion
Oftentimes is the preferred one-word spelling when you mean “often” or “frequently.” Often times may be appropriate only when often modifies the noun times, meaning occasions. For the clearest modern style, choose often in most situations. Pro tip: Using standard spelling and concise wording strengthens your credibility in professional communication.
