is often

USAGE SUMMARY

"is often" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something happening frequently. For example, "Exercising is often recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Redistribution is often tricky.

The Economist

(Smallpox is often blamed).

The New York Times - Arts

Prestige is often meaningless.

The New York Times

Fertility is often reduced.

Independent

It is often profane.

The New York Times - Arts

There is often anemia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Success is often cyclical.

The New York Times - Sports

Mint is often seen.

The New York Times - Food

Infrastructure is often hopeless.

The Economist

Surgery is often necessary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Loyalty is often jettisoned.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is often" to indicate a general tendency or frequent occurrence, but be mindful of the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Consider using more precise quantifiers when possible.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "is often" in your writing. While grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound vague. Instead, try to use more specific adverbs of frequency (e.g., frequently, usually, commonly) or rephrase sentences to convey frequency more directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is often" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the frequency of an action or state. Ludwig AI identifies that this phrase is used to express that something happens frequently but not always.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is often" serves as a common way to express that something happens frequently but not always. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. As evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples, this phrase finds frequent use in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki contexts. It's a versatile phrase suitable for neutral registers, effectively conveying frequency without strict formality. When using "is often", consider if a more specific adverb of frequency might enhance clarity, and avoid over-reliance on this phrase to maintain writing vibrancy. Exploring alternative phrases like "frequently occurs" or "usually is" can add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

usually is

States that something is the case under normal circumstances.

commonly happens

Focuses on the commonality of an event or action.

tends to be

Expresses a tendency or inclination.

more often than not

Indicates that something happens more frequently than not.

frequently occurs

Emphasizes the occurrence or happening of something frequently.

typically appears

Highlights the typical appearance or manifestation of something.

generally is

Indicates a general state or condition.

is characteristically

Emphasizes the characteristic nature of something.

is repeatedly

Focuses on the repetition of an action or event.

is habitually

Highlights something done out of habit.

FAQs

How can I use "is often" in a sentence?

The phrase "is often" is used to indicate that something happens frequently or is generally the case. For example, "The weather "is often" unpredictable in spring".

What are some alternatives to "is often"?

You can use alternatives such as "frequently is", "usually is", or "commonly is" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of these alternatives expresses a similar idea of something happening regularly.

Is it always appropriate to use "is often" in formal writing?

While "is often" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound vague in formal writing. Consider using more precise language to convey frequency, such as "frequently", "typically", or "commonly".

What's the difference between "is often" and "is always"?

"Is often" indicates that something happens frequently but not every time, while "is always" indicates that something happens without exception. The choice depends on the accuracy of the statement you're making.