Is the “t” in “often” silent or pronounced?

Question

I keep hearing people say the word often in two different ways—some say ‘OFF-en’ and others say ‘OFF-ten.’ Now I’m not sure which one I’m supposed to follow. Is the ‘t’ in often actually silent, or do people pronounce it? And is one of them considered more proper than the other?”

augustus.king581@slmail.me · Accepted Answer

Both are OK.  Again 'off-en' is more British pronunciation as most Americans will have a somewhat short, soft but noticeable 't'.

Daisy · Accepted Answer

I’m on the "OFF-en" team.

Lucy · Accepted Answer

The silent-t version is a bit more traditional and probably the one we’ll hear more often in everyday speech. But, I don't think "OFF-ten" is incorrect. Both are OK

Richard · Accepted Answer

I’ve heard both. Neither one is wrong

Is the “t” in “often” silent or pronounced?

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