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.
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.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: More often that not, he forgets.
Say: More often than not, he forgets.
It's 'more often THAN not', not 'that not'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
Natural emphatic 'usually'; the formal version is stiff.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
more often than not,
- it's
- they
- ends up
- he