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ESL forum > Grammar and Linguistics > the "other" mystery    

the "other" mystery



wysiwyg
France

the "other" mystery
 
I wonder which is better -although I �ve heard both, and what difference there is between the two different ways of saying "often": with a silent "t" - as I was taught in school, or without. A charming old lady from Grantham once told me that " University educated people say ofTen", do you agree?

6 Jan 2012      





yanogator
United States

In the US, it �s somewhat regional, although here in Cincinnati, it is pronounced both ways - but mostly with a silent t.
 
Bruce

6 Jan 2012     



ueslteacher
Ukraine

There are different ways to pronounce it in the UK as well as US, just like Bruce said it �s probably the regional thing. Here �s what the dictionary has http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/often (click to listen)
Here�s the discussion on a different forum I found http://www.englishforums.com/English/HowToPronounceOften/vbpwk/post.htm 
Sophia

6 Jan 2012     



wysiwyg
France

Thank you... and this discussion on englishforums is really hilarious...Big smile
 I still don �t know which way is the best, but I sure had a good time! Anyway, it �s not the worst of the numerous mistakes I make....and people understand me nevertheless...
Have a nice weekend!

6 Jan 2012     



ueslteacher
Ukraine

I �m glad you liked it:)
Sophia

6 Jan 2012     



MarionG
Netherlands

wysiwyg, I think both Bruce and Sophia tried to explain that BOTH pronunciations are OK, neither of them is a mistake.....so this is NOT one of your numerous mistakes :)

7 Jan 2012     



wysiwyg
France

Yes Marion, i know, my point was more about cultural or social difference here...this is an interesting aspect of phonology,  IMHO...

7 Jan 2012     



Jayho
Australia

We use both versions too - both are acceptable

8 Jan 2012     



mrs.uzunalli
Turkey

as far as  I know �often � with T sound  is British English and other is American which has no T sound.

13 Jan 2012