Often says that something happens frequently, but it does not specify an exact number.

The idea

Place often before an ordinary main verb: she often studies. With be as the main verb, place it after be: we are often busy. In negatives, do not often means infrequently.

Examples

  • I often take the bus.
  • She often studies at the library.
  • We are often busy on Fridays.
  • Do you often cook at home?
  • I do not often watch television.
  • He often visits his grandparents.

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Watch out

Often does not mean always. A person who often takes a bus may still walk sometimes.

Try it yourself

  1. She studies there frequently. Choose the frequency word. She ___ studies at the library. (often / never)

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    often

    often comes before the main verb studies.

  2. We are busy on many Fridays, though not necessarily every Friday. We are ___ busy on Fridays. (often / never)

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    often

    often follows the form of be, here are.

  3. I watch television occasionally, but infrequently. I ___ watch television. (do not often / never)

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    do not often

    do not often describes an infrequent habit, not necessarily never.

Use it today

Describe something you often do and something you do not often do.