"Most of the time" versus "most of the times"

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Anita B-S

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"Most of the time" versus "most of the times"
Is it ever accurate to use the plural? I have not heard "times" ever used in this expression. For instance, which is correct: "English is the first choice most of the time" or "English is the first choice most of the times"?
 

engee30

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"Most of the time" versus "most of the times"
Is it ever accurate to use the plural? I have not heard "times" ever used in this expression. For instance, which is correct: "English is the first choice most of the time" or "English is the first choice most of the times"?

Most of the time means usually or very often; most of the times is a bit different and more specific, meaning almost every time (when); almost at every single attempt:

Most of the time I go to bed just before midnight.
but
He used to be a very good soccer player. He almost never missed, he scored a goal most of the times when he was in front of the goal. (almost at every attempt of his shooting towards the goal)
 

Charlie Bernstein

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"Most of the time" versus "most of the times"
Is it ever accurate to use the plural?

No.

I have not heard "times" ever used in this expression. For instance, which is correct: "English is the first choice most of the time"

Right.

or "English is the first choice most of the times"?

Wrong.

Most of the time is an idiom for usually. Usually is never plural.

[I edit copy and have tutored college writing.]
 
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