more often than not — generalising / expressing frequency
expressionC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
Used to say that something happens in most cases, or is usually true, though not always.
Say it like a native
Textbook In the majority of instances, the train arrives behind schedule.
Native More often than not, the train's late.
Natural emphatic 'usually'; the formal version is stiff.
Pattern: more often than not, [clause]
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ More often that not, he forgets.
✓ More often than not, he forgets.
It's 'more often THAN not', not 'that not'.
Common collocations
more often than not,— it's, they, ends up, he
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.'