The comparative form of “often” is “more often.” While “oftener” is grammatically correct, it’s less common in modern English usage. Using “more often” is generally preferred and sounds more natural to native speakers. This preference extends to the superlative form as well, with “most often” being favored over “oftenest.”
Choosing between “more often” and “oftener” highlights a subtle nuance in English grammar. While many monosyllabic adjectives and adverbs form their comparative and superlative forms by adding “-er” and “-est” (e.g., big, bigger, biggest), this isn’t always the case with two-syllable words. Some, like “quiet,” readily take “-er” and “-est” (quieter, quietest), while others, like “often,” typically use “more” and “most.”
There isn’t a strict grammatical rule dictating which form to use for every two-syllable word. Usage patterns and common practice often determine the preferred form. In the case of “often,” “more often” and “most often” have become the standard.
For English language learners, adopting the more common form, “more often,” can contribute to fluency and natural-sounding speech. While “oftener” isn’t incorrect, it might sound slightly archaic or less natural to a native speaker’s ear. Focusing on prevalent usage patterns can help learners avoid inadvertently signaling their non-native status.
While definitive grammatical rules regarding this specific usage may be lacking in traditional resources, observing language in context and referring to usage frequency data can be helpful. Analyzing how native speakers employ these forms in conversation and writing provides valuable insights into current language trends. Prioritizing commonly used forms, particularly for high-frequency adverbs like “often,” contributes to more natural and effective communication.
