Meaning
Indicating that something happens frequently, though not always — used to express a general tendency with acknowledgment of exceptions.
Primary Function
Expressing habitual tendencies
Communicative Purpose
To convey typicality rather than absolute certainty
Pattern
more often than not
Core Structure
more often than not
Função primária
Expressing habitual tendencies
Propósito comunicativo
To convey typicality rather than absolute certainty
Situações de gatilho
Describing common patterns, habits, or statistical trends
Contextos
Formal writing, professional discussions, and everyday conversations requiring nuance
Padrão
more often than not
Estrutura central
more often than not
Slots de substituição
variable event or behavior
Colocados típicos
- usually
- often
- frequently
Substituições comuns
- Usually
- Most of the time
- As often as not
Erros comuns
Using as a full sentence without context, misinterpreting as absolute certainty
Similar / contraste
As a rule, By and large, On balance
Interferências
Over-generalizing literal frequency, neglecting hedging intent
Família do chunk
- As often as not
- For the most part
Nuance
Slightly formal tone, emphasizing moderate likelihood
Efeito pragmático
Adds rigor, careful observation, and acknowledgment of exceptions
Dica de memória
Hedged usual
Nota
This chunk is often used in academic and professional settings to hedge statements and describe tendencies rather than absolutes.
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