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At the website where people pronounce words from their languages, the page for the word often gives 15 accounts. 13 people pronounced it with silent t (ofen), and only 2 with strong t (ofTen).

But all ESL teachers I know (U.S. native speakers) pronounce it with strong t (ofTen).

What is the right (standard) pronunciation?

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    Welcome to English Language & Usage. This is very good question. I am not a native speaker nor a teacher, but I think that the more correct one is: "ofTen" - with the strong "T", but it's easier to pronounce it like "ofen", so therefore you hear it more "ofen" ;)
    – Derfder
    Jun 22, 2013 at 7:54
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    Pronunciation is a regional thing; there is no single right/correct way to pronounce often and nevermind the t there are multiple ways of pronouncing the o and the e as well. I can tell you that in the areas of the US that I have lived, I'd never pronounce the t even if I were on my best "speaking behavior"
    – Jim
    Jun 22, 2013 at 8:07
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    Pronunciation of “often” ◊ In what dialects does “often” rhyme with “soften”? Please search the site before posting. It's in your own interest as it gets you the answer faster than typing up a whole question. Thank you.
    – RegDwigнt
    Jun 22, 2013 at 10:48

1 Answer 1

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OED has

Pronunciation:  Brit. /ˈɒf(ə)n/ , /ˈɒft(ə)n/ , U.S. /ˈɔf(ə)n/ , /ˈɑft(ə)n/

I was taught (yes, really) that the Standard pronunciation did not have the t in the middle, and adding that in was dialectal. That's supported by OED's listing of [no t] before the version including t. Pronouncing the t isn't incorrect, though.

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