Often: Pronounce the t-sound or not?

We recently asked our web site visitors to take a poll on the word often. Here is how you responded:

In the word often, do you pronounce the “t”?

• 25% Always pronounce the “t”

• 50% Never pronounce the “t”

• 25% Sometimes I pronounce the “t”. Sometimes, I don’t.

Which is more correct? Is it better to pronounce often with or without the t-sound?

The word often is a fascinating example of language in the process of change. The Random House Dictionary states that the pronunciation of often without the t-sound gained favor with educated speakers in the 17th century. In recent years, however, more and more people have been pronouncing often with the t-sound, just as it is spelled.

Many of us can remember that in our younger days, the spelling pronunciation (often with the t-sound) was relatively uncommon. In those days, it was sometimes felt to be incorrect or a sign of pretentious, “overly careful” speech. Nowadays, you hear many educated speakers using either pronunciation. Even some highly respected broadcast journalists use the pronunciation of often with the t-sound.

Our observation has been that the majority of people still pronounce often without the t-sound. Yet, as we listen to younger educated speakers, we hear a growing tendency to pronounce often with the t-sound.

So, what is one to do? Whichever pronunciation you use, you are correct! However, there are still some English speakers who criticize the pronunciation of often with a t-sound. If you absolutely want to “play it safe” and please everyone, pronounce often without the t-sound.

Thanks to all our visitors for casting their votes!

Note:
There are a number of other words in which the t-sound stopped being pronounced centuries ago:

fasten

hasten

soften

 There is no sign of change here. Never pronounce the t-sound in these words!