Is often formal or informal?

It is neutral. You can use it in conversation, emails, and academic writing.

What is the difference between often and frequently?

Often is more common and natural in everyday English. Frequently can sound a little more formal.

Can I say 'very often'?

Yes. It means something happens a lot, more than usual.

Where do I put often in a sentence?

Usually before the main verb: 'She often travels.' It can also come after 'be': 'He is often late.'

← Dictionary

often

/ˈɒf.ən/

IELTSAcademic

adverb

If something happens often, it happens many times or regularly. It is not rare, but it is not always happening either.

I often walk to work.
She often visits her grandparents.
We often eat dinner late.

Adinary Nuance

Often is more neutral than frequently, and it is common in everyday speech and writing. Frequently can sound a little more formal or emphatic. Often also feels less exact than repeatedly, which suggests the same action many times in a clear pattern.

In other languages

Vietnamese: thường xuyên
Spanish: a menudo
Chinese: 经常
Japanese: よく
Korean: 자주

Etymology

Often comes from Old English oftor, a comparative form meaning “more frequently.” Its modern form developed in Middle English.

Common phrases

often enoughmore oftenas often asquite often

Synonyms

frequently regularly repeatedly commonly

Related words

sometimes usually seldom rarely

Frequently asked questions

Is often formal or informal?: It is neutral. You can use it in conversation, emails, and academic writing.
What is the difference between often and frequently?: Often is more common and natural in everyday English. Frequently can sound a little more formal.
Can I say 'very often'?: Yes. It means something happens a lot, more than usual.
Where do I put often in a sentence?: Usually before the main verb: 'She often travels.' It can also come after 'be': 'He is often late.'