How to spell often
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
often
O-F-T-E-N
The part to watch: of + ten, with a t many people do not say. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Many people say "offen" without the t, so it gets left out.
Often is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a silent letter. These words have a letter you write but do not say. Many were said long ago and the spelling kept them.
This one is different. Many people do say the t in often, and that is fine too. The spelling keeps it either way.
Common mistakes with often
- Wrong: offenRight: often
- Wrong: ofenRight: often
A way to remember it
Often is of + ten. I often count to ten.
Often in syllables
of · ten
Often has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
I often walk to school with my friend.
Often on the statutory list
Often is on the Year 3 and 4 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 3 and 4, when they are 7 to 9.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with often, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a silent letter
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as often.
More words
Questions parents ask
Is it often or offen?
Often. Offen writes the word the way many people say it, but the spelling keeps the t: of + ten.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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