more often than not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'more often than not' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something happens more frequently than a different, implied outcome. For example, you could say "More often than not, the weather is cloudy in this part of the country during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lost, more often than not.

The New Yorker

They are, more often than not, shut.

The New York Times

More often than not, he strikes funny.

The New Yorker

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

And, more often than not, he won.

The New York Times

They wake up, more often than not.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more often than not" to introduce a statement that is generally true but not always the case. It adds a layer of realistic qualification to your claims.

Common error

Avoid using "more often than not" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by employing synonyms or rephrasing your sentences for better flow.

How to use

Learn how to use "more often than not" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more often than not" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate frequency. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it describes the likelihood of an event occurring, expressing that something happens in the majority of instances.

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, the phrase "more often than not" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something happens frequently or is generally true, although not always. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions to qualify statements, adding a sense of realism and acknowledgment of exceptions. With a neutral register, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and everyday conversation. While it’s common, overusing it can diminish its impact, so varying your language is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more frequently than not

A more verbose version with similar meaning, adding emphasis but sounding somewhat redundant.

most of the time

Directly refers to a proportion of time, making the frequency explicit.

in most cases

Highlights that the outcome is more prevalent, focusing specifically on quantity of instances.

usually

Similar to 'frequently' but suggests a higher degree of regularity or expectation.

generally

Implies a broad truth or common occurrence, without necessarily indicating frequency.

typically

Highlights that something acts as a representative example. The nuance is subtle.

frequently

This is a single-word synonym, lacking the nuance of a specific comparison implied by the original phrase.

as a rule

Suggests a guiding principle or typical pattern, differing slightly in connotation.

ordinarily

Indicates what is normal or expected, which isn't exactly the same as frequent

on average

Emphasizes a statistical tendency rather than a strict pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "more often than not" to express that something is generally true or likely, such as: "More often than not, people prefer coffee over tea in the morning".

What phrases are similar to "more often than not"?

Alternatives include phrases like "usually", "generally", or "in most cases", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "more often than never" instead of "more often than not"?

While "more often than never" might seem logical, it's not a standard or commonly accepted phrase in English. "More often than not" is the idiomatic and grammatically correct choice for expressing frequency.

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

"More often than not" indicates a high probability or frequency but acknowledges exceptions. "Always", on the other hand, suggests that something happens without any exceptions. For example, "The sun rises in the east always" versus "More often than not, it rains in April".