often more than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "often more than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs frequently and to a greater extent than a specified amount or level. Example: "In this region, the rainfall is often more than 100 inches per year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abstraction is often more than abstract.

The New York Times - Arts

Quite often more than once.

The Guardian - Books

Pictures matter - often more than words.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tattoos were often more than just decoration.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

the patient was transferred again, often more than once.

Yale University

But snoring is often more than a nuisance.

Stanford University

Most religious denominations have journals, often more than one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It happens too often, more than it should".

The New York Times

Personal relationships guided business dealings often more than laws.

The New York Times

There were hundreds, often more than one a day.

The New Yorker

Often more than one context (object hierarchy) has to be considered to predict this information.

CATENA

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "often more than", ensure that the comparison is clear and the context provides a measurable reference point. For example, "The cost is often more than anticipated" is improved by specifying an expected range.

Common error

Avoid using "often more than" without a clear reference point for comparison. Saying "It's often more than it seems" lacks specificity and can confuse the reader. Always provide a clear baseline for comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "often more than" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate frequency and degree. It's used to express that something occurs frequently and exceeds a particular level, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "often more than" is a versatile adverbial phrase that indicates both frequency and a degree exceeding a specified level. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and scientific writing. While suitable for neutral register, clarity is essential. Avoid vague comparisons and specify the baseline whenever using the phrase. Consider alternatives like "frequently surpassing" or "commonly exceeding" to fine-tune your expression. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "often more than" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more often surpassing

Slightly different word order with the same core meaning.

more often exceeding

Slightly different word order with the same core meaning.

frequently surpassing

Emphasizes exceeding a limit or expectation on numerous occasions.

commonly exceeding

Highlights that the act of surpassing is a typical occurrence.

regularly surpassing

Suggests a consistent pattern of exceeding.

generally greater than

Indicates a tendency to be larger or more significant.

typically surpassing

Implies that exceeding is the usual case.

usually exceeding

Conveys that it's more common than not to surpass something.

exceeding frequently

Changed word order for different emphasis.

frequently greater than

More direct comparison of quantity or quality, rather than frequency.

FAQs

How can I use "often more than" in a sentence?

You can use "often more than" to indicate a frequency or quantity exceeding a certain level. For example, "The project requires "often more than" the initially allocated resources."

What are some alternatives to "often more than"?

Alternatives include "frequently surpassing", "commonly exceeding", or "typically surpassing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more often than" instead of "often more than"?

While both are grammatically correct, "often more than" emphasizes the exceeding aspect, whereas "more often than" emphasizes the frequency. The choice depends on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "often more than" and "usually more than"?

"Often more than" suggests a frequent occurrence, while "usually more than" implies that it is the norm. "Usually" indicates a higher probability than "often".