What does "more often than not" mean?
"More often than not" means usually - happening more than half the time. Here's how this expression works and when to use it.
What it means
Usually; in most cases; happening more than 50% of the time. It suggests frequency without claiming something always happens.
"More often than not, the first idea isn't the best one."
"More often than not, meetings could have been emails."
"It works more often than not."
What it implies
A pattern that's common but not universal. There are exceptions, and the speaker acknowledges them. It's an honest statement about frequency.
How it differs from "usually"
"More often than not" is slightly more conversational and perhaps more modest. "Usually" is clean and direct. "More often than not" acknowledges uncertainty while still conveying frequency.
A native would say
- "Usually" - most common alternative
- "In most cases" - more formal
- "Typically" - professional contexts
- "Nine times out of ten" - informal, implies very high frequency
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Casual to professional. Works in conversation and writing.
What does "more often than not" mean?
Usually; in most cases; happening more than 50% of the time. It suggests frequency without claiming something always happens.
"More often than not, the first idea isn't the best one."
"More often than not, meetings could have been emails."
"It works more often than not."
Is "more often than not" formal or informal?
Casual to professional. Works in conversation and writing.
What's another way to say "more often than not"?
- "Usually" - most common alternative
- "In most cases" - more formal
- "Typically" - professional contexts
- "Nine times out of ten" - informal, implies very high frequency
English is full of expressions like this one.
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