The Village Idiom

more often than not

The idiom "more often than not" means that something is likely to happen or be true most of the time, although there may be exceptions occasionally.

Time & pace · Filed under M

In a sentence

  • More often than not, he arrives late to our meetings.
  • She takes the scenic route to work, more often than not.
  • They go out for dinner on Fridays, more often than not.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "more often than not" is widely used to indicate that something happens or is true most of the time, but not always. It is derived from the combination of the words "more" and "often than not," indicating a majority occurrence. This phrase is used across various contexts to express a typical or expected result while acknowledging the possibility of exceptions.

Using the idiom "more often than not" can also add nuance to a generalization or express probabilities and trends. It emphasizes the understanding that life and events are not absolute but subject to variables and exceptions. This phrase is widely recognized and employed in various forms of communication, including written, spoken, and digital discourse.

It is important to note that the idiom "more often than not" is a subjective assessment rather than a precise measurement. Its exact frequency or percentage is not quantifiable or universally agreed upon. Nevertheless, its established usage and recognition make it a valuable addition to the English language.

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