but often not vs but not often

Both "but often not" and "but not often" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "But often not" is used to emphasize that something frequently does not happen, while "but not often" is used to indicate that something does not happen frequently.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 992 views

but often not

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English to emphasize that something frequently does not happen.

This phrase is used to emphasize that something does not happen frequently. It is often used to express a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs.

Examples:

I try to call her, but often not, she answers the phone.
He promises to be on time, but often not, he arrives late.
I ask for help, but often not, anyone offers assistance.

Show examples from the web [+]

Most member states already use EU funds, but often not in an effective way .
So... we simply ask a question and the subject responds, but often not said... is far more important than what is said.
Much progress has been made. However, experience over the first years of EMU has proven that agreement on common statistical definitions and classifications is important, but often not sufficient to achieve comparability.
At present, energy consumer rights are laid down in various EU documents, but are often not transposed into national legislation.
In too many areas including, for example, all-inclusive packages and cruise tours, tourism takes out of local economies, but often does not put much back in.
I should just like to observe, by way of a supplementary question, that ratification is extremely important, but often it is not enough.
But often society does not accept or support these efforts by the European Union to help women.
The Commission observed the substitution principle in its overall planning, but it has often not been taken into account when designing promotion measures and calculating results.
But people are often not thinking of something like this, which is the other end of the spectrum.
More and more countries are signing fine declarations and international conventions, but these are often not complied with.
I therefore hope that projects will be set up whereby entrepreneurship - which women display in practice but which is often not recognised economically, politically or socially - will be promoted.
He mans it sometimes, but not often.
Sometimes they get in trouble, but not often.
It's a fairly simple ritual but not often performed.
Maybe, but surely not often enough.
But more often than not, the universe pulls the rug out from under us.
But more often than not, the answers we've been looking for have been inside us all along.
He's supposed to pay a percentage of his receipts to me... but more often than not, I just let him forget it. I see.
Safe infrastructure is important, but technology often does not rule out incorrect use.
But more often than not, their people refer to them as something less flattering.

Alternatives:

but rarely
but seldom
but not usually

but not often

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English to indicate that something does not happen frequently.

This phrase is used to indicate that something does not happen frequently. It is often used to express the frequency of an action or event.