often

word

/ˈɔfən/
AW-fuhn
/ˈɒfən/
O-fuhn

Definition

On many occasions or many times. It describes something that happens regularly, but not necessarily all the time.

Usage & Nuances

Used with habitual actions: 'I often go there.' It is more common than 'sometimes' and less absolute than 'always'. In speech, pronunciation varies: /ˈɔːfən/ is very common, and /ˈɔːftən/ is also accepted.

Example Sentences

We often eat rice for dinner.

basic

I often walk to school.

basic

She often calls her mother at night.

basic

I often forget where I put my keys.

natural

It often rains here in the afternoon.

natural

People often say that time goes faster as you get older.

natural