not often

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not often" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happens infrequently or rarely. Example: "I do not often go to the movies, as I prefer to watch films at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not often enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Not often, no.

The New York Times

But not often.

The New York Times

But not often enough.

The New York Times - Arts

Not often – but sometimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

No, not often.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not often enough, though.

The New York Times

Yes, Coraggioso had, but not often.

The New York Times - Sports

But I'm not often that cross.

Independent

ECONOMISTS are not often mobbed by cameramen.

The Economist

It's not often I feel virtuous.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not often" to express that an event or action happens less frequently than average or expected. It adds a nuanced way to convey infrequency without sounding overly formal.

Common error

Avoid using "not often" in conjunction with other negative constructions within the same sentence. This can create a double negative effect, making the sentence confusing or unintentionally affirming the opposite of what you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not often" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate frequency. It expresses that an action or event does not occur frequently. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not often" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something happens infrequently. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's prevalent in news, media, and scientific writing, showcasing its applicability across diverse registers. When aiming for conciseness, consider alternatives like "rarely" or "seldom". Remember to avoid double negatives when using "not often" to maintain clarity. "Not often" serves as a valuable tool for expressing nuanced degrees of frequency in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely

Indicates infrequency, similar to "not often" but more concise.

seldom

Similar to "rarely", implying a low frequency of occurrence but slightly more formal.

hardly ever

Emphasizes the rarity of an event or action, conveying a stronger sense of infrequency.

infrequently

A more formal synonym for "not often", emphasizing the lack of frequency.

not usually

Indicates something is atypical or deviates from the norm, highlighting a lack of regularity.

scarcely

Implies a minimal occurrence or presence, suggesting something is almost non-existent.

on occasion

Suggests that something happens sometimes, but not regularly, providing a less negative connotation.

uncommonly

Highlights the unusual nature of an event, suggesting it deviates from what is typically observed.

once in a blue moon

An idiomatic expression for something that happens very rarely.

not habitually

Indicates the absence of a regular or consistent pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "not often" to indicate that something does not happen frequently. For example, "I do "not often" eat fast food because it is unhealthy."

What are some alternatives to "not often"?

Some alternatives to "not often" include "rarely", "seldom", and "infrequently". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "not often" or "rarely"?

Both "not often" and "rarely" are correct, but "rarely" is generally more concise. "Not often" can sometimes add a slightly softer tone. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and style.

What's the difference between "not often" and "not usually"?

"Not often" refers to the frequency of an event, while "not usually" refers to what is typical or expected. For instance, "I do "not often" go to the cinema" means I don't go frequently, while "I am "not usually" late" means being on time is my typical behavior.