More often than not

USAGE SUMMARY

"More often than not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that usually happens. For example: "More often than not, I come home late from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More often than not, he strikes funny.

The New Yorker

More often than not, he is right.

The New York Times - Health

More often than not, though, they win.

The New York Times

More often than not, they do.

The New York Times

More often than not, they did.

The New York Times

More often than not, it is.

The New Yorker

More often than not, both did.

The New York Times - Sports

More often than not these days.

Independent

More often than not, she initiates contact.

The New Yorker

More often than not, television.

The Guardian - Books

More often than not, they're anything but.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider whether "more often than not" provides the most accurate and nuanced description, or if a more precise quantifier is needed.

Common error

While "more often than not" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider stronger, more precise alternatives to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more often than not" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the frequency or likelihood of an action or state. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is used to express a general tendency rather than an absolute truth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more often than not" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express that something is likely or frequently the case. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider more precise alternatives for formal writing to avoid repetitiveness. Consider using synonyms like "frequently" or "usually" to vary your language and maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

More frequently than not

A slightly more formal and emphatic version of the original phrase.

More often than not the case

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating it applies to what is the case.

For the most part

Indicates that something is mainly or mostly true.

In most cases

Highlights that the statement is true for the majority of instances.

Typically

Similar to "usually", emphasizing the normal or expected course of events.

Usually

Implies that something happens in the majority of cases.

Generally

Indicates a common or widespread occurrence.

Frequently

This is a single-word synonym focusing on the repeated occurrence of an event.

As a rule

Suggests a standard or typical occurrence.

On average

Focuses on the statistical tendency of something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "more often than not" in a sentence?

"More often than not" is used to indicate that something is likely or frequently the case. For example: "More often than not, people prefer to travel during the summer."

What are some alternatives to "more often than not"?

You can use alternatives such as "frequently", "usually", "generally", or /s/in+most+cases, depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "more often than not" a formal or informal expression?

"More often than not" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and some formal contexts. However, in very formal writing, more precise language might be preferred.

What's the difference between "more often than not" and "always"?

"More often than not" indicates a high probability or frequency, but not certainty. "Always" implies that something happens without exception. Thus, "more often than not" suggests a tendency, while "always" indicates a constant state.