oftentimes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "oftentimes" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adverb that means "frequently" or "many times." You can use it in formal and informal writing. For example: Oftentimes, I find myself struggling to finish the work I have been given.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Law enforcement officers "have become first responders to people in psychiatric crisis", he said, but "oftentimes, their traditional academy training doesn't really teach police how to respond to such crisis".

The Guardian

I think oftentimes as a kid I moved towards creative work as a means of breaking my own isolation".

The Guardian - Music

During a time of ideological waffle, it is an issue which India's opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can use to flaunt its nationalistic (oftentimes pro-Hindu, ie anti-Muslim) credentials and to attack Congress at a weak spot its perceived softness towards illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, most of them Muslims.

The Economist

"Oftentimes the decision is made at the very, very last moment, and we do our very best to keep our customers informed but sometimes it just doesn't happen".It certainly didn't for Lynn-Ann Baumeister and her husband, whose luggage was removed earlier this year from a flight from Kelowna, British Columbia, to Toronto, where they were changing planes for a trip to Barbados.

The Economist

"Oftentimes in life you get dealt a hand that you did not expect or want to play.

The Economist

This contrasts to the existing literature, in which job polarization is oftentimes depicted as a gradual phenomenon... Our second point is that job polarization accounts for jobless recoveries.

The Economist

It is, says Mr Panetta, a complicated relationship, "oftentimes frustrating, oftentimes difficult".

The Economist

The structure of the wall of a pollen grain is oftentimes so characteristic that in some cases species may be identified by pollen grains alone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The publication of his first story, "Beyond Lies the Wub," in 1952 launched his full-time writing career, which was marked by extraordinary productivity, as he oftentimes completed a new work, usually a short story or a novella, every two weeks for printing in pulp paperback collections.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These populations which oftentimes overlap areas inhabited by humans are thus harder to monitor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the examiner places a hand over the kneecap during flexion and extension, oftentimes grinding, or crepitus, can be felt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "oftentimes" to add emphasis to the frequency of an event, especially when conveying a sense of habit or regularity. Consider whether "often" is a better fit, as it is generally more concise and widely accepted.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "oftentimes" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for "often" or other simpler alternatives like "frequently" or "regularly" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "oftentimes" is as an adverb of frequency. It modifies verbs, indicating that an action or state occurs frequently. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Oftentimes" functions as an adverb signifying frequency, although it carries a slightly more formal or emphatic tone than its shorter counterpart, "often". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse sources, with a notable prevalence in news media and encyclopedic content. While perfectly acceptable, writers should consider whether the slightly more common and less emphatic "often" better suits the context. When trying to find alternatives for the word consider using "frequently", "repeatedly" or "regularly" in contexts that require more formal language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Frequently

More formal and direct synonym.

Often

Shorter, more common and informal alternative.

Repeatedly

Emphasizes the recurring nature of an event.

Regularly

Suggests a consistent pattern or schedule.

Many times

More literal and less concise.

On many occasions

More formal and emphasizes specific instances.

Time and again

Figurative and emphasizes persistence.

Again and again

Emphasizes repetition.

As a rule

Indicates a general pattern or tendency.

Generally

Implies a common occurrence but allows for exceptions.

FAQs

How can I use "oftentimes" in a sentence?

"Oftentimes" is an adverb that indicates frequency. For example, "Oftentimes, I find it difficult to concentrate in the afternoon" shows something that happens frequently.

What is the difference between "often" and "oftentimes"?

While both "often" and "oftentimes" mean frequently, "often" is more common and generally preferred. "Oftentimes" can sound slightly more formal or emphatic. Consider the context to determine which fits best.

What can I say instead of "oftentimes"?

You can use alternatives like "frequently", "often", or "repeatedly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "oftentimes" in formal writing?

Yes, "oftentimes" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, be mindful that it can sometimes sound slightly archaic or overly emphatic compared to simpler alternatives.