Oftentimes vs. Often Times: The Ultimate Guide to Using These Words Correctly explains why these similar forms sound almost the same but have a clear difference in modern English. At a simple glance, both may appear everywhere online, but standard English usage considers oftentimes the correct form and often times the incorrect version. Oftentimes is a compound word and an adverb meaning frequently. This guide offers a simple, conversational, and practical explanation for writers and readers. In modern English writing, using the single word supports clearer writing, polished writing, and more consistent usage. The safest approach is to use oftentimes confidently, especially in formal usage.
The history and historical origins of the word make this grammar question more interesting. Language evolves across centuries, while American English and British English may show region differences. Oftentimes appears in older novel examples and real examples, retaining the meaning “frequently.” In my editing work, I’ve seen this confusion in emails, blog posts, essays, and social media captions. Experienced writers sometimes feel puzzled about which form to choose and when to use it. This grammar puzzle becomes easier when you understand the origin, modern usage patterns, and standard English rules.
If you’ve seen or spotted often times, don’t assume it’s acceptable. The same traps occur because the expression almost fits and feels slightly off, like a puzzle piece that doesn’t quite click. Practical grammar tips can help you avoid mistakes, write clearly, and prevent common grammar mistakes. A comprehensive guide can explain why the expression almost never belongs as two words. Tables, usage notes, case studies, and examples can reinforce these ideas and make the rule easier to remember. The story behind these words is interesting, but the practical choice remains simple: use oftentimes rather than often times.
Oftentimes vs. Often Times: The Quick Answer
Oftentimes is a one-word adverb that means often, frequently, or on many occasions.
Often times consists of two separate words. In this construction, often is an adverb and times is a noun. The phrase can be correct when the sentence actually refers to occasions, periods, or instances.
| Form | Meaning | Grammatical role | Example |
| often | Frequently | Adverb | “She often works late.” |
| oftentimes | Frequently | Adverb | “She oftentimes works late.” |
| often times | Often occurring occasions or periods | Adverb + noun | “These are often times of uncertainty.” |
There’s an easy practical rule:
If you mean “frequently,” use “often” or “oftentimes.” If “times” is a genuine noun in your sentence, “often times” may be correct.
In most everyday writing, often is the simplest choice. Oftentimes is also correct, although it can sound slightly more formal, literary, or deliberate.
What Does “Oftentimes” Mean?
Oftentimes means often. It describes something that happens frequently or on many occasions.
Consider these sentences:
- “Customers oftentimes compare several products before buying.”
- “Small errors oftentimes lead to larger problems.”
- “People oftentimes underestimate how long a project will take.”
- “This issue oftentimes appears after a software update.”
In every example, oftentimes answers a question about frequency.
How frequently do customers compare products? Often.
How frequently do small errors lead to larger problems? Often.
That’s the core function of the word.
Is “Oftentimes” a Real Word?
Yes. Oftentimes is a legitimate English word, not a grammatical mistake or a modern spelling accident.
The word has also appeared in English for centuries. Its construction is relatively straightforward: often + times developed into the single adverb oftentimes.
So if you’ve been avoiding the word because it looks unusual, there’s no grammatical reason to do so.
That doesn’t mean you should use it everywhere, though.
A word can be perfectly correct while another word remains a better stylistic choice.
Is “Oftentimes” One Word or Two?
When you mean “often” or “frequently,” write it as one word:
oftentimes
Not:
often times
Not:
often-times
For example:
“Employees oftentimes need additional training.”
You could also write:
“Employees often need additional training.”
Both sentences are grammatically sound. The second is simply more concise.
What Does “Often Times” Mean?
Here’s where the confusion starts.
The phrase often times isn’t automatically wrong. It becomes a separate grammatical construction when often modifies the noun times.
For example:
“These are often times of uncertainty.”
Here, times means periods or occasions. The sentence isn’t using oftentimes as an adverb.
Another example:
“They remember those often difficult times.”
In this sentence, times refers to periods or experiences. The word often modifies the adjective phrase associated with those times.
The important point is that “often times” doesn’t function as a two-word spelling of “oftentimes.”
Compare the underlying structures:
Oftentimes
- One word
- One adverb
- Means “often” or “frequently”
Often times
- Two words
- Often = adverb
- Times = noun
- Refers to times, occasions, or periods that are often characterized by something
That distinction might seem tiny. Grammatically, it matters.
Why “Often Times” Is Usually Wrong When You Mean “Oftentimes”
Suppose you want to say that customers frequently forget their passwords.
You could write:
“Customers often forget their passwords.”
You could also write:
“Customers oftentimes forget their passwords.”
But this version is generally not appropriate:
“Customers often times forget their passwords.”
Why?
Because times isn’t functioning as a noun in the sentence. You’re trying to use often times as the adverb oftentimes.
The cleanest correction is actually to use often:
Customers often forget their passwords.
Or, if you specifically prefer oftentimes:
Customers oftentimes forget their passwords.
This is one reason often remains such a useful default. It eliminates the spelling question completely.
Oftentimes vs. Often: Are They Different?
In meaning, often and oftentimes are extremely close. Both describe something that happens frequently.
| Feature | Often | Oftentimes |
| Basic meaning | Frequently | Frequently |
| Part of speech | Adverb | Adverb |
| Standard spelling | One word | One word |
| Everyday frequency | Very common | Less common |
| Tone | Neutral | Sometimes more formal or literary |
| Conciseness | Excellent | Slightly more elaborate |
| Grammatically correct | Yes | Yes |
The difference is mainly one of style and usage, not basic meaning.
For instance:
“People often overlook small details.”
sounds straightforward and natural.
“People oftentimes overlook small details.”
is also correct. It has a slightly more deliberate feel.
Neither sentence changes the underlying fact. The writer simply chose a different adverb.
Is “Oftentimes” More Formal Than “Often”?
It can sound more formal or literary, but don’t treat that as an absolute grammatical rule.
English speakers use oftentimes in formal prose, speeches, essays, commentary, and other contexts. At the same time, the word can appear in ordinary writing.
The key distinction is this:
More formal-sounding does not mean more correct.
In many sentences, often sounds cleaner:
“This method often produces better results.”
There’s little reason to replace it with:
“This method oftentimes produces better results.”
The longer word doesn’t add much.
On the other hand, repetition can influence style. If you’ve already used often several times in a paragraph, oftentimes can provide legitimate vocabulary variation.
The goal isn’t to choose the fanciest word. The goal is to choose the word that fits.
How to Use “Oftentimes” Correctly
Using oftentimes is straightforward once you remember that it functions as an adverb.
Oftentimes at the Beginning of a Sentence
You can place oftentimes at the beginning of a sentence when you want to emphasize the frequency of an event.
Examples:
- “Oftentimes, the simplest solution is the most effective.”
- “Oftentimes, customers need clearer instructions.”
- “Oftentimes, small changes produce noticeable improvements.”
A comma commonly follows the introductory adverbial phrase when it helps signal the opening structure.
Oftentimes in the Middle of a Sentence
This placement is also common:
- “People oftentimes overlook this detail.”
- “The problem oftentimes occurs after installation.”
- “Managers oftentimes face competing priorities.”
Here, oftentimes modifies the action expressed by the verb.
Oftentimes at the End of a Sentence
You can also place it toward the end:
- “The same problem occurs oftentimes.”
- “These mistakes happen oftentimes.”
However, this placement can sound less natural in contemporary American English.
Compare:
“The same problem often occurs.”
with:
“The same problem occurs oftentimes.”
The first sentence flows more naturally for most readers.
That’s a useful writing principle: grammatical doesn’t always mean optimal.
When Should You Use “Often” Instead?
For most practical writing, often is the safest and simplest choice.
It’s especially useful in:
- Business communication
- Website copy
- Technical documentation
- Emails
- Everyday conversation
- Product descriptions
- Instructions
- General informational writing
For example:
“The error often occurs after installation.”
That’s direct and easy to understand.
You could write:
“The error oftentimes occurs after installation.”
It’s still correct. Yet the extra syllables don’t provide additional information.
A Simple Editing Rule
When you’re unsure, try replacing oftentimes with often.
If the sentence sounds natural and you don’t need the stylistic variation, often is usually the better choice.
This isn’t because oftentimes is wrong. It’s because clear writing often benefits from the shortest word that communicates the intended meaning.
Grammar Breakdown: “Oftentimes” vs. “Often Times”
Understanding the grammar makes the distinction much easier to remember.
“Oftentimes” Is an Adverb
In:
“People oftentimes make mistakes.”
Oftentimes tells us how frequently people make mistakes.
It functions like:
- often
- frequently
- regularly
- commonly
The word doesn’t refer to physical times, periods, or occasions.
“Often Times” Contains a Noun
Now consider:
“These are often times of uncertainty.”
Here, times refers to periods or circumstances.
You can think of the structure as:
often + times
The two words remain independent.
This is fundamentally different from:
oftentimes = often
That distinction gives you a reliable grammatical test.
The Easiest Test for Choosing the Right Form
Ask yourself one question:
Does “times” actually mean occasions, periods, or instances in this sentence?
If the answer is no, you probably want often or oftentimes.
If the answer is yes, the separate words often times may be appropriate.
Example One
“I often times visit my grandparents.”
What does times mean here?
Nothing specific. The writer simply means “frequently.”
Better:
“I often visit my grandparents.”
Or:
“I oftentimes visit my grandparents.”
Example Two
“These are often times of great uncertainty.”
Here, times means periods.
The phrase can therefore work as a genuine combination of separate words.
This test is far more useful than memorizing a long list of rules.
Common Mistakes With Oftentimes and Often Times
Mistake: Writing “Often Times” to Mean “Frequently”
This is the most common issue.
❌ “People often times forget this rule.”
✅ “People often forget this rule.”
✅ “People oftentimes forget this rule.”
If often times doesn’t refer to actual times or occasions, don’t split the adverb.
Mistake: Assuming “Oftentimes” Is Incorrect
Some writers see the word and assume it must be a mistake.
It isn’t.
Oftentimes is a recognized English adverb.
Mistake: Adding a Hyphen
You may occasionally encounter:
“often-times”
When you mean the standard adverb, the normal modern spelling is:
oftentimes
The hyphen isn’t necessary.
Mistake: Choosing “Oftentimes” Simply to Sound Smarter
This is a style problem rather than a grammar error.
Consider:
“Businesses often review their pricing.”
Now compare:
“Businesses oftentimes review their pricing.”
Both work.
If the surrounding paragraph already contains formal language, the second may fit. Otherwise, often is crisp and natural.
Good writing doesn’t need to wear a tuxedo to every meeting.
Oftentimes vs. Often Times: Side-by-Side Examples
The examples below show how context determines the correct form.
| Sentence | Correct? | Explanation |
| “I often read before bed.” | ✅ | Often means frequently. |
| “I oftentimes read before bed.” | ✅ | Oftentimes means frequently. |
| “I often times read before bed.” | ❌ | Usually an incorrect split of oftentimes. |
| “People often make this mistake.” | ✅ | Standard adverbial use. |
| “People oftentimes make this mistake.” | ✅ | Standard adverbial use. |
| “These are often times of uncertainty.” | ✅ | Times functions as a noun. |
| “These are oftentimes of uncertainty.” | ❌ | Oftentimes cannot replace the noun phrase here. |
| “Oftentimes, preparation prevents problems.” | ✅ | Correct introductory adverb. |
| “Often, preparation prevents problems.” | ✅ | Simpler equivalent. |
Oftentimes in American English
For US English, often is generally the more familiar choice in everyday communication.
That doesn’t make oftentimes incorrect or outdated. It simply means that readers are more accustomed to often.
This matters when you’re writing for a broad audience.
If your goal is maximum immediacy, write:
“Customers often compare prices.”
If your writing style benefits from a more formal or literary rhythm, you might choose:
“Customers oftentimes compare prices.”
Both communicate the same basic frequency.
The takeaway is simple: dictionary legitimacy and everyday frequency aren’t the same thing.
Oftentimes vs. Often Times in Different Types of Writing
The best choice can depend on the context.
Business Writing
Choose often when you want directness:
“Customers often abandon their carts when shipping costs are unclear.”
It sounds professional without feeling stiff.
Academic Writing
Both can work:
“Students often struggle with time management.”
“Students oftentimes struggle with time management.”
In most academic sentences, often is perfectly adequate. Don’t assume that a longer word automatically sounds more scholarly.
Technical Writing
Often is usually preferable because technical documentation values clarity and efficiency.
“This error often occurs after an incomplete installation.”
That’s easier to scan than a more elaborate alternative.
Marketing Writing
Again, often tends to work well:
“Shoppers often compare reviews before making a purchase.”
Marketing copy usually benefits from familiar language.
Literary or Reflective Writing
Oftentimes can have a place here:
“Oftentimes, the lessons that stay with us arrive through failure.”
The word can contribute a slightly reflective rhythm without changing the meaning.
Oftentimes Synonyms: What Can You Use Instead?
You have several alternatives, but they’re not perfect substitutes in every sentence.
| Word or phrase | General meaning | Example |
| Often | Frequently | “She often travels.” |
| Oftentimes | Frequently | “She oftentimes travels.” |
| Frequently | Happening often | “The system frequently fails.” |
| Regularly | Happening at recurring intervals | “They regularly review the data.” |
| Usually | Happening in most normal cases | “He usually arrives early.” |
| Commonly | Happening among many cases | “This error is commonly reported.” |
| Repeatedly | Happening again and again | “The system repeatedly failed.” |
| On many occasions | Happening during many instances | “They met on many occasions.” |
Notice the subtle differences.
Often describes frequency.
Usually suggests what normally happens.
Regularly emphasizes recurring patterns.
Repeatedly highlights recurrence, sometimes with a sense of persistence.
Replacing every occurrence of often with frequently or regularly can therefore change the meaning slightly.
A Practical Style Guide for Oftentimes vs. Often Times
Use this decision table when editing your writing:
| What you mean | Recommended form |
| Frequently | often |
| Frequently, with a slightly more formal or literary tone | oftentimes |
| Periods or occasions that are often characterized by something | often + noun |
| A concise sentence | often |
| Vocabulary variation in suitable prose | oftentimes |
| “Often times” as a replacement for “oftentimes” | Avoid |
The central principle is clarity before complexity.
If often communicate the idea perfectly, there’s no obligation to upgrade it to oftentimes.
Read More: Me Too vs Me as Well vs I as Well: The Complete Guide
A Real-World Editing Example
Imagine an employee handbook contains this sentence:
“Employees often times forget to update their passwords.”
A quick edit should catch the problem.
The writer intends to say that employees frequently forget.
The better versions are:
“Employees often forget to update their passwords.”
Or:
“Employees oftentimes forget to update their passwords.”
The first version is probably preferable for a handbook because it’s shorter and immediately clear.
Now consider a different sentence:
“These are often times of uncertainty for new employees.”
Here, times refers to periods. The sentence has a different grammatical structure.
That is why blanket rules such as “never use often times” can be misleading. Context matters.
FAQs:
Is “oftentimes” correct?
Yes. Oftentimes is a correct English adverb meaning frequently or often.
Is “often times” grammatically correct?
Usually, no. When you mean “frequently,” often times is generally treated as an incorrect form in standard English.
What does “oftentimes” mean?
Oftentimes means frequently, often, or something that happens many times.
Should I use “oftentimes” in formal writing?
Yes. Oftentimes can be used in formal writing, although often is usually the simpler and more natural choice.
Why do people write “often times”?
People often use often times because it looks natural and sounds almost identical to oftentimes. However, the two-word form can result from treating a compound word as separate words.
Conclusion:
The difference between oftentimes and often times is simple once you know the rule. Oftentimes is the correct compound word when you mean frequently, while often times is generally not the standard form. Remembering this small distinction can help you avoid common grammar mistakes in everyday and formal writing.
When you’re unsure, choose oftentimes or, even more simply, often. Both clearly express frequency and work well in modern English. With this rule in mind, you can write with greater confidence, maintain clearer writing, and avoid unnecessary confusion between these similar-looking forms.
