tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451623600799551281.post2584338309854323331..comments2023-06-21T03:02:13.420-07:00Comments on Common Errors in English Usage Daily Entry: often: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, December 4, 2012 Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451623600799551281.post-18240881294378989452012-12-27T23:46:25.674-08:002012-12-27T23:46:25.674-08:00Interesting, never heard of that. I disagree, I d...Interesting, never heard of that. I disagree, I don't think this applies in singing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451623600799551281.post-22608240510880754842012-12-19T09:31:55.225-08:002012-12-19T09:31:55.225-08:00You can look here for the history of it: http://bi...You can look here for the history of it: http://bit.ly/Zj4Omr<br /><br />...which points out that the T in "often" has a similar history to the T in "soften." Elsewhere you will find it compared to "listen."<br /><br />On the other hand, as Merriam-Webster points out, "there can be no objective standard for correct pronunciation other than the usage of thoughtful and, in particular, educated speakers of English. Among such speakers one hears much variation in pronunciation." (http://bit.ly/VQ15Vu)<br /><br />I would argue that leaving out the T in pronouncing "often" is preferred among educated speakers; however, it is true that many educated speakers of English include the T in pronouncing it. Be aware that most pronunciation advice favors dropping the T (but also allow that including the T is not rare).Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07339437656346986056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451623600799551281.post-85334508790676176142012-12-19T08:26:23.355-08:002012-12-19T08:26:23.355-08:00Sorry. I meant to say: Why is "offen" co...Sorry. I meant to say: Why is "offen" correct?fletomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13278542912495801565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451623600799551281.post-62560647105602769772012-12-19T08:25:48.076-08:002012-12-19T08:25:48.076-08:00But is "offen" correct? This needs expla...But is "offen" correct? This needs explanation.fletomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13278542912495801565noreply@blogger.com