as often as not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as often as not" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something happens frequently or more often than not, suggesting a regular occurrence. Example: "As often as not, I find myself working late into the night to meet deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But effective, as often as not.

The New York Times

I missed as often as not.

The New Yorker

The latter, as often as not.

The Guardian - Books

Unfortunately, as often as not, their fears are well founded.

The New York Times - Arts

As often as not, I don't even know myself.

The Guardian

And memories, well, as often as not they make regrets.

The New York Times

As often as not the mood is regret.

The New York Times - Arts

As often as not, it is protection from change.

The New York Times

As often as not, the answer is a resounding "yes".

The New York Times

But as often as not, Mr. Kriesberg's work transcended category.

The New York Times - Arts

As often as not, he recommends a less drastic course.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as often as not" to introduce a statement that is true in a majority of cases, but not universally. It adds a nuanced perspective by acknowledging exceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "as often as not" when describing something that happens rarely or almost never. The phrase implies a relatively high frequency, exceeding 50% of the time.

Linguistic Context

"As often as not" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the frequency or likelihood of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it introducing statements about common occurrences, such as train delays or typical behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as often as not" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that conveys a relatively high frequency of occurrence, slightly above 50%. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it can be used interchangeably with phrases like "more often than not", it's essential to reserve it for scenarios that genuinely happen with notable regularity. Its function is to temper expectations, and it lends a realistic tone to statements about common occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more often than not

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "as" with "more" for emphasis.

frequently

This single-word alternative offers a concise way to express the same idea.

often

This shorter alternative conveys a similar meaning with slightly less emphasis on frequency.

usually

This suggests a general tendency or expectation.

commonly

This highlights the widespread nature of the occurrence.

typically

This indicates a pattern or characteristic behavior.

generally

This implies a broad, overall trend.

in many cases

This phrase emphasizes the prevalence of the situation.

on many occasions

This highlights the repeated nature of the event.

a good deal of the time

This alternative is more descriptive, emphasizing duration and frequency.

FAQs

How can I use "as often as not" in a sentence?

You can use "as often as not" to describe something that happens more than half the time. For example, "As often as not, the train is delayed during rush hour."

What's a simpler way to say "as often as not"?

Alternatives include "frequently", "often", or "usually", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "more often than not" and "as often as not"?

The phrases are nearly synonymous. "More often than not" may subtly emphasize a higher frequency, but they're largely interchangeable.

When should I avoid using "as often as not"?

Avoid using it when describing something that is rare or exceptional. It's best suited for situations that occur with notable regularity.