Definition

Adverb: A comparative form meaning "more often" or "more frequently." It is used to compare the frequency of two actions or events.

Usage

• Use "oftener" to indicate that one action happens with greater frequency than another.
• It is a standard, though less common, comparative form of the adverb "often." The more frequently used comparative is "more often."
• It is typically used in formal or literary contexts.

Examples

• "With the new schedule, I find myself visiting the library oftener than before."
• "He checks his phone oftener than he checks his watch."
• "As we grow older, we appreciate these moments oftener."

Advanced Usage

• "None the oftener": An archaic or literary phrase meaning "not any more frequently."
  • He called, but she answered none the oftener. (He called more, but she did not answer more frequently.)

Variants and Related Words

• Often (adv.): Frequently, many times.
• More often (adv. phrase): The more common comparative form of "often."
• Oftentimes (adv.): On many occasions; frequently. (A synonym, not a comparative form.)
• Frequent (adj.): Occurring or done on many occasions.

Synonyms

• More frequently
• More regularly
• More commonly

Notes on Usage

• While grammatically correct, "oftener" is considered somewhat old-fashioned or formal in modern English. In most everyday speech and writing, "more often" is preferred.
• The superlative form is "oftenest," meaning "most often," but it is even rarer in contemporary usage than "oftener."

Adverb

1. more often or more frequently