How do you pronounce often?

Do you pronounce often with a /t/ sound or without a /t/ sound?

The word often is a fascinating example of language in the process of change.  Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary states that English speakers consistently said often with a /t/ sound before the 17th century.  However, in the 17th century, the pronunciation of often without the /t/ sound gained favor with educated speakers.  

For hundreds of years in modern times, often was pronounced without a /t/ sound.

In recent years, however, more and more people have been saying often with a /t/ sound, just as it is spelled.  Nowadays, you hear many educated speakers using either pronunciation. So, in a sense, both pronunciations are now standard.

Our observation and the results of our survey suggest that a majority of people still say often without the /t/ sound.  However, both pronunciations are very widely heard.  

What is our recommendation for pronouncing this word today?  

It’s fine to say often with or without the /t/ sound. However, there are still some people who prefer that the /t/ not be pronounced. If you pronounce often without a /t/ sound, nobody will object.

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