How many times or How often
How many times or How often
By Alena Lien,
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26 April 2021
I explain the differences between "how many times" and "how often." Although they are actually quite different, it is common for native speakers to respond as if they are the same.
I explain their differences first and then compare them in more detail when they are used as questions.
Differences
1. "How many times" refers to the number of occasions; "how often" refers to the frequency.
"How many times" refers to the number of occasions or times something happens. The word "time" is a countable noun and refers to an occasion when something happens.
"It doesn't matter how many times I tell him. He always leaves the dishes next to the dishwasher."
"How many times have you been to Tasmania?"
"Just once. I went when I was really young though."
"How often" refers to the frequency of an event or activity. Or more specifically, how many times something occurs within a period of time on a regular basis.
"He didn't tell me how often I was supposed to water the plants."
"How often do you go to the cinema?"
"At least once a month."
2. Responses to questions with "how often" usually includes a timeframe or an adverb of frequency.
Examples include:
- "every day," "every other weekend," etc.
- "once a week," "three times a year," "once every 2 years," etc.
- "always," "seldom," "rarely," "never," etc.
"How often does the event occur?"
"Once every two years."
"How often do you watch Netflix?"
"Rarely. Since I started my new job, I just haven't had the time."
Questions: "How many times" vs "How often"
Past experiences and events - How many times
It is more common to use "how many times" to ask about past experiences and events.
Although we can use a variety of different tenses, the past simple and present perfect is preferred.
Past simple: "How many times did it happen?"
(This is asking the number of time something happened in the past.)
"It happened 3 times and then I gave up."
Present perfect: "How many times have you been to Tasmania?"
(This is asking the number of times you have visited Tasmania in your lifetime.)
"Just once. I went when I was really young though."
Past experiences and events - How often
You can also use "how often" to talk about past experiences and events but this would be asking about regular past events.
Past simple: "How often did it happen?"
(This is asking how regularly something used to happen in the past.)
"It would happen 3 times a week until the replacement arrived."
Present perfect: "How often have you been to Tasmania?"
(This is asking how regularly you visited Tasmania up until now.)
"Actually just once. I went when I was really young though."
Regular activities - How often & How many times
It is more common to use "how often" to ask about regular activities. You can also use "how many times" as well, but a slightly different structure is required.
Question: "How often"
- Response: timeframe
With "how often," a timeframe usually comes with the response.
Past: "How often did you eat chocolate?"
"A small bar every day, usually after dinner."
Present: "How often do you work out?"
"Ideally, about 3-4 times a week."
Future: "How often will you be going to Sydney for work?"
"About every two months but it's yet to be confirmed."
Question: "How many times" + timeframe
To use "how many times" to ask about regular activities, the timeframe should be included in the question instead.
Past: "How many times did you eat chocolate in a day?"
"Just a small bar after dinner."
Present: "How many times do you work out in a week?"
"Ideally, about 3-4 times."
Future: "How many times will you be going to Sydney for work per year?"
"About every two months but it's yet to be confirmed."