English learners often notice something interesting when they read books or listen to native speakers. Sometimes people say “oftentimes.” Other times they say “often times.”
At first glance, both phrases look almost the same. The only difference is a small space between the words.
Because of this, many students start wondering: Are both correct? Is one better than the other?
This small confusion is very common among non-native speakers. Even native English speakers sometimes disagree about which form sounds more natural.
Some grammar guides accept both. Others prefer one over the other. Real-life examples will also help you remember the correct usage.
The confusion usually comes from how English changes over time. Words that were once two separate words sometimes become one word later.
Think about “any time” and “anytime” or “every day” and “everyday.” A similar situation happens with “often times” and “oftentimes.”
Understanding this topic is important for everyday English. You will see these expressions in conversations, articles, blogs, and books.
Knowing when and how to use them helps your writing sound clearer and more natural.After reading this guide, the difference will be easy to understand.
You will learn what each phrase means, how grammar rules work, and which option sounds more natural in modern English.
By the end, you’ll feel confident using these expressions in both speaking and writing.
What Does “Often Times” Mean?
Simple Definition
“Often times” is a phrase that means “many times” or “frequently.”
It is used to talk about something that happens again and again.
However, many modern grammar experts consider “often times” less standard than “oftentimes.” In some situations, people also prefer using just “often.”
When to Use It
You may see “often times” in casual writing or informal speech. It usually appears when someone wants to emphasize repetition.
Still, some teachers and editors suggest avoiding it in formal writing because it can sound slightly unnecessary.
Grammar Rule
“Often” is an adverb of frequency, which means it describes how frequently something happens.
When “times” is added after it, the phrase becomes a two-word expression meaning “many occasions.”
Structure example:
Often + times + subject + verb
Example:
- Often times people forget small details.
Example Sentences
- Often times, small mistakes cause big problems.
- Often times students feel nervous before exams.
- Often times we learn more from failure than success.
- Often times people misunderstand simple grammar rules.
- Often times children ask surprising questions.
- Often times we do not notice our own habits.
- Often times friends help us solve problems.
- Often times life teaches lessons slowly.
Common Learner Confusion
Many learners think “often times” is the most correct form because it sounds longer and more descriptive.
But in modern English, teachers usually recommend two simpler options:
- often
- oftentimes
For example:
❌ Often times people worry too much.
✔ Often people worry too much.
✔ Oftentimes people worry too much.
This is why students sometimes feel unsure about which expression to choose.
What Does “Oftentimes” Mean?
Simple Definition
“Oftentimes” is a single word that means “frequently” or “many times.”
It is simply another way of saying “often.”
When to Use It
“Oftentimes” is commonly used in writing and speaking when someone wants to emphasize that something happens regularly.
It sounds slightly more formal or literary than just saying “often.”
Grammar Rule
“Oftentimes” is an adverb.
Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or whole sentences.
Sentence structure example:
Oftentimes + subject + verb
Example:
- Oftentimes people learn through experience.
Example Sentences
- Oftentimes people learn the most from their mistakes.
- Oftentimes small habits shape our daily life.
- Oftentimes success comes after many failures.
- Oftentimes children understand things better than adults expect.
- Oftentimes the simplest solution is the best one.
- Oftentimes we realize the truth later.
- Oftentimes students improve quickly with practice.
- Oftentimes patience leads to better results.
Common Learner Confusion
Some students think “oftentimes” is incorrect because it looks unusual.
But dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster and Oxford accept it as a correct word.
Still, some modern style guides suggest using “often” instead because it is shorter and clearer.
Example:
✔ Oftentimes people worry too much.
✔ Often people worry too much.
Both sentences are correct.
Difference Between “Often Times” and “Oftentimes”
The difference between these expressions is small, but it is helpful to understand how they work.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Often Times | Oftentimes |
|---|---|---|
| Word Type | Two words | One word |
| Meaning | Many times / frequently | Many times / frequently |
| Formality | Informal or less standard | More accepted in writing |
| Modern Preference | Less common | More common |
| Simpler Alternative | Often | Often |
Usage Difference
In modern English, “oftentimes” is generally preferred over “often times.”
“Often times” sometimes sounds redundant because “often” already means frequently.
For this reason, many editors remove the word “times.”
Example:
Original: Often times people make this mistake.
Edited: Often people make this mistake.
Grammar Logic
“Often” already expresses frequency. Adding “times” may not add much meaning.
“Oftentimes” became a single word over time because speakers started using it as a fixed expression.
Language changes naturally. Many English words follow this pattern.
Sentence Structure Difference
Both expressions can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Beginning:
- Oftentimes people forget small details.
Middle:
- People oftentimes forget small details.
End:
- People forget small details oftentimes.
“Often times” can appear in the same places, but it is used less frequently in modern writing.
Meaning Comparison
The meaning is basically the same:
- often
- oftentimes
- often times
All three talk about repeated actions.
The difference is mainly style and preference, not meaning.
Grammar Rules You Must Remember
Understanding a few simple rules makes this topic much easier.
Rule #1: “Often” Is Usually Enough
In many situations, “often” alone is the best choice.
Example:
✔ I often read before sleeping.
Adding extra words is not always necessary.
Example:
❌ I often times read before sleeping.
Rule #2: “Oftentimes” Is Acceptable in Writing
If you want a slightly stronger or more formal tone, “oftentimes” works well.
Example:
✔ Oftentimes patience leads to success.
This sentence sounds natural in essays and articles.
Rule #3: Avoid “Often Times” in Formal Writing
Many grammar teachers recommend avoiding the two-word version in formal situations.
Example:
❌ Often times mistakes happen during learning.
Better version:
✔ Oftentimes mistakes happen during learning.
✔ Often mistakes happen during learning.
Rule #4: All Three Express Frequency
“Often,” “oftentimes,” and “often times” all describe how frequently something happens.
Example:
- I often visit my grandparents.
- I oftentimes visit my grandparents.
Both are correct.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Even advanced learners sometimes make mistakes with these expressions.
Understanding why these errors happen helps prevent them.
Mistake #1: Thinking “Often Times” Is the Only Correct Form
Many learners assume longer phrases sound more correct.
Wrong:
❌ Often times English grammar seems confusing.
Correct:
✔ Often English grammar seems confusing.
✔ Oftentimes English grammar seems confusing.
Mistake #2: Using It Too Frequently
Sometimes students add this phrase in every paragraph.
Example:
❌ Oftentimes people study grammar. Oftentimes they practice writing.
Better:
✔ Often people study grammar. They also practice writing.
Using variety makes writing smoother.
Mistake #3: Using It in Very Formal Writing
Some academic style guides prefer “often.”
Example:
Academic writing:
✔ Students often make spelling mistakes.
Mistake #4: Confusing It With “Sometimes”
These words describe frequency but at different levels.
- Sometimes = occasionally
- Often = frequently
Example:
Sometimes I drink coffee.
Often I drink tea.
Easy Trick to Remember the Difference
A simple trick can make this topic easy.
Think about the word “often.”
This word already tells us something happens many times.
So remember this idea:
Often already means “many times.”
Because of this:
- Often = simple and common
- Oftentimes = stronger version
- Often times = less preferred
Memory tip:
“Often is enough.”
If you are unsure, just use often.
Example:
- I often study English at night.
Simple and correct.
Daily Life Examples
Here are common sentences you may hear in everyday conversations.
- I often forget where I put my keys.
- Oftentimes people learn faster when they practice daily.
- We often watch movies on weekends.
- Oftentimes small habits change our life.
- I often drink tea in the morning.
- Oftentimes students improve quickly with regular practice.
- We often meet our friends after work.
- Oftentimes good ideas come during quiet moments.
- I often read before going to sleep.
- Oftentimes people worry about things that never happen.
These sentences sound natural in spoken English.
Practice Section
Choose the correct option.
1.
_____ people feel nervous before interviews.
a) Often
b) Often times
2.
_____ small habits lead to big success.
a) Oftentimes
b) Sometimes
3.
I _____ drink coffee in the morning.
a) often
b) often times
4.
_____ mistakes help us learn.
a) Oftentimes
b) Rarely
5.
Students _____ forget homework.
a) often
b) never
Answers
- Often
- Oftentimes
- often
- Oftentimes
- often
FAQs
What is the difference between often times and oftentimes?
“Oftentimes” is one word and is more accepted in modern writing. “Often times” uses two words and is less common. Both mean “frequently.”
Is “often times” grammatically correct?
Yes, it is not completely wrong. However, many style guides prefer using “often” or “oftentimes.”
Can we use oftentimes in questions?
Yes. It works in questions as well.
Example:
Do you oftentimes feel tired after work?
Is oftentimes formal or informal?
It sits somewhere in the middle. It can appear in both speech and writing, though “often” is more common in formal texts.
Should I avoid using often times?
In academic or professional writing, it is safer to avoid it. Use “often” or “oftentimes.”
Which is better: often or oftentimes?
“Often” is usually the best and simplest choice. “Oftentimes” can be used when you want stronger emphasis.
Final Conclusion
English sometimes creates confusion with words that look almost the same. The expressions “often times” and “oftentimes” are a perfect example. They both describe actions that happen many times or happen frequently.
However, modern English tends to favor simpler forms. In many sentences, the word “often” alone is enough. It clearly explains that something happens regularly. Because of this, teachers and editors usually recommend using “often” in most situations.
The word “oftentimes” is also correct and widely accepted. It appears in both speaking and writing, especially when someone wants to emphasize repeated actions. On the other hand, “often times” is less common today and may sound unnecessary in formal writing.
The good news is that the meaning stays the same across all these forms. With a little practice, choosing the right one becomes very easy.
Pay attention to how native speakers use these words in conversations, books, and articles. Try writing your own sentences too. Language improves step by step, and small grammar details like this help your English sound clearer and more natural.
I am Matthew Collins, an English language educator and content writer passionate about simplifying grammar and improving communication skills. I create clear, practical, and engaging lessons to help learners build confidence in English.