Difference Between Often and Usually

Often and usually are two adverbs of frequency. Although both these adverbs can indicate the frequency of an action, there is a slight difference between them. Often means many times or frequently. Usually means normally or habitually. The main difference between often and usually is that usually implies a habitual action whereas often simply refers to an action that is performed many times. Thus, using these two adverbs interchangeably is not advisable since they can affect the meaning of the intended sentence.

This article covers,

1. What Does Often Mean? – Meaning and Usage with Examples

2. What Does Usual Mean? – Meaning and Usage with Examples

3. Difference Between Often and Usually

Often – Meaning and Usage

Often is an adverb of frequency. Often means many times or frequently. Often refers to something that happens frequently, but not always. For example, the sentence, “Mike often cooks dinner.” means that Mike cooks dinner frequently. But, it does not mean that Mike does this every night. Often mainly refers to the frequency of an action.

He often goes out with friends.

Liana often wears black.

She often goes on long walks by herself.

How often do you call your mother?

They travel more often than we do.

He waters these plants often, but the soil is very dry.

They often go on long walks.

Usually – Meaning and Usage

Usually refers to something that you do as a habit. So, it is more regular and predictable than often. For example, if you get up at 6. 30 AM habitually, you can say that ‘I usually get up at 6. 30 AM. However, this does not mean that you always continue this routine. There might be certain days that you wake up later or earlier. But these variations should be very rare if you are using the adverb usually.

According to general guidelines, you use “always” for something you do 100% of the times. Similarly, usually is used for something you do 90% of the times and often is for things you do 70% of the times.

She usually goes for a walk after dinner.

He usually arrives home about seven o’ clock.

They usually respond to mail within 24 hours.

Bats usually fly after dark.

Grocery stores usually do not sell fish.

He is not usually rude; he must be really upset about something.

Monday is usually a very busy day.

I usually have a cup of coffee with breakfast.