SpeakUp

Grammar fix

more often than not

generalising / expressing frequency

Used to say that something happens in most cases, or is usually true, though not always.

expressionC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • More often than not, I walk to work instead of taking the bus.daily life
  • When it comes to how people spend their weekends, more often than not, they prefer relaxing at home rather than going out, especially after a busy week.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: more often than not, [clause]

WrongMore often that not, he forgets.

RightMore often than not, he forgets.

It's 'more often THAN not', not 'that not'.

Patternmore often than not, [clause]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff In the majority of instances, the train arrives behind schedule.

Natural More often than not, the train's late.

Natural emphatic 'usually'; the formal version is stiff.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • more often than not,
    it'stheyends uphe

Don't confuse it

'More often than not' is less formal than 'in the majority of cases' and slightly softer than simply saying 'always' or 'usually.'

Try it in Daily Speak →