1
Core function
Usually or in a majority of cases, while allowing exceptions.
Example
More often than not, the river floods after two consecutive days of heavy rain.
more often than not
/mɔːr ˈɒfən ðən nɒt/ · mor OFF-un than notfrequency phrase
Usually or in a majority of cases, while allowing exceptions.
Use more often than not to express this relationship precisely: usually or in a majority of cases, while allowing exceptions.
What more often than not Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Scope in a sentence
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The estimate is, more often than not, within five percent of the measured value.
3
Analytical effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
More often than not, juveniles return to the region where they hatched.
Use more often than not Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
More often than not, the river floods after two consecutive days of heavy rain.
The estimate is, more often than not, within five percent of the measured value.
More often than not, juveniles return to the region where they hatched.
Precision Matters
More often than not overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
more often than not
vs.Means usually or in a majority of cases, while allowing exceptions.
for the most part
Means mostly or generally, while allowing limited exceptions.
more often than not
vs.Means usually or in a majority of cases, while allowing exceptions.
by and large
Means generally or for the most part, while allowing exceptions.
more often than not
vs.Means usually or in a majority of cases, while allowing exceptions.
in general
Means state what is broadly or usually true while allowing possible exceptions.
more often than not
vs.Means usually or in a majority of cases, while allowing exceptions.
in large part
Means mostly or to a substantial extent, though not necessarily entirely.
Test more often than not in Context
The choice occurred in most cases but not universally.
1
___, participants chose the simpler explanation, although a sizeable minority preferred the complex one.