A1adverb1K

Often

UK /["/ˈɒfn//ˈɒftən/"]/US /["/ˈɔːfn//ˈɔːftən/"]/

Definition

many times

In simple words: Many times; frequently.

Examples

I often go to the park on weekends.
She often visits her grandmother in the city.
He often studies late at night.
They often have lunch together at the same café.
I often read before going to sleep.

Usage notes

Use 'often' to describe actions that happen regularly. It's neutral and appropriate in most contexts, but avoid using it in very formal writing where terms like 'frequently' might be better.

Grammar pattern

often + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'often' as 'Awe-ften' - something you find awesome happens multiple times.

Collocations

often seen
often heard
often used
often considered
often overlooked

Synonyms

frequently

Antonyms

seldom
rarely
infrequently

Common mistakes

Using 'often' in place of 'seldom' (confusing frequency)
Misplacing 'often' in a sentence (e.g., 'I often go' vs 'I go often')
Confusing 'often' with 'always' or 'never'