which is more correct?
is "often" short for oftentimes?
or did they just add a word to the end for no reason?!
2006-07-02 15:57:37 · 15 answers · asked by lightbulb 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
oftentimes is a word from medieval times from England.
2006-07-02 16:01:59 · answer #1 · answered by Teacher 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
More often than not you will find that Americans opt to use 'often' in day to day dialog. Oftimes, southern or midwestern Americans will use 'oftentimes' to describe frequency. Offhandedly, poets use 'oft' in lines of prose. I'm probably not making this very clear, am I? Language usage, dialect and vernacular vary from region to region. My Aunt uses terms like 'stair-steps', 'down the way' and punctuates sentences with 'and e'erything' - she's from the south. An Uncle likes to 'make a party' at 'noon-day' Saturday - he's from the north. Sometimes I 'ain't got no idea' what they're talking about - ya know wadda mean?
2006-07-02 23:21:33 · answer #2 · answered by tankboy444 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard "oftentimes" used when in America, but I would suppose that they're used to adding the "times" to the end of things (i.e. sometimes, most of the time, many times, much of the time...). However, since it's been considered a real word by dictionaries, I see no problem with people using it. I've probably used it myself and never noticed. The more I think of it, the more I think I've seen myself type it.
2006-07-02 23:39:38 · answer #3 · answered by Belie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but oftentimes americans don't use that word ;) lol, I believe often is more correct, and that someone added times to the end of often for no reason, lol kinda like "furthermore" and "likewise"
2006-07-02 23:02:21 · answer #4 · answered by TheGirlYouWishYouKnew 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an American I never say "oftentimes", and don't think I've heard others say it that way. Actually, I would have assumed it was more a British expression! LOL!!
2006-07-02 23:01:30 · answer #5 · answered by poppet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a 100% full-blooded american, and i have never used the word "oftentimes"
2006-07-02 23:02:23 · answer #6 · answered by m j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it must be a regional thing in the US because I never say oftentimes...it sounds horrible.
2006-07-02 23:00:14 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oftentimes is rarely used by educated people..
2006-07-02 23:01:34 · answer #8 · answered by don s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never actually heard anyone say oftentimes here.. cept in some books.
2006-07-02 22:59:58 · answer #9 · answered by TiFFeRz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Americans do have the funniest way of saying things improperly and yet have difficulty in understanding other regional british accents its so funny at least we speak and spell the english language correctly. My least favourite word Americans often say is AWESOME, everything is just so AWESOME its so fake and you hear it all the time on american shows
2006-07-02 23:10:03 · answer #10 · answered by Gar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋