These days

USAGE SUMMARY

"These days" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the present or recent times, or when generalizing about present trends or circumstances. For example: "These days, people are more aware of the importance of reducing their carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These days?

The New York Times

These days, everybody ebbs.

The New Yorker

These days, the I.A.F.

The New Yorker

"These days, freshness is in.

The New York Times

These days, he'd be rapping.

The New Yorker

These days, few are profitable.

The New York Times

These days fully 88% do.

The Economist

These days, tattoos are common.

The New York Times

These days, that's high praise.

The New Yorker

These days, readers are dear.

The New Yorker

These days, it's more democratic".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these days" to indicate a general trend or observation about the present time, contrasting it with the past. For example: "These days, remote work is becoming increasingly common."

Common error

While a common and acceptable phrase, repeatedly using "these days" in a short piece of writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "nowadays" or "currently" to maintain a more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these days" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time frame in which an action or state occurs. Ludwig provides examples from diverse sources illustrating this function, confirming its role in setting a temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "these days" is a common adverbial phrase used to refer to the present time or a recent period, often in contrast to the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "nowadays" to add variety. As a versatile phrase, "these days" serves to set a temporal context for observations and generalizations, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nowadays

Focuses more on the present time as distinct from the past.

Currently

Emphasizes the present moment or a specific point in time.

At present

Highlights the immediate situation.

In the present day

More formal way of saying "these days".

In this day and age

Highlights the characteristics of the current era.

In recent times

Focuses on the period in the recent past leading up to now.

Lately

Refers to something that has been happening recently.

Of late

A more formal synonym of "lately".

In today's world

Highlights the context of global affairs and society.

In modern times

Emphasizes the characteristics of the modern era.

FAQs

How can I use "these days" in a sentence?

"These days" is typically used to express a general observation about the present, often contrasting it with the past. For instance, you might say, "These days, more people are choosing to live in urban areas."

What are some alternatives to "these days"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "nowadays", "currently", or "at present" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "these days"?

Yes, "these days" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples of its use in reputable sources.

What's the difference between "these days" and "today"?

"These days" refers to a general period around the present time, suggesting a trend or a characteristic of the current era. "Today", on the other hand, refers specifically to the current day. For example, you might say, "These days, people are more health-conscious", while "Today is a beautiful day."