To this day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To this day" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something continues to be true or relevant up until the present time. Example: "To this day, I still remember the lessons my grandmother taught me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To this day the manuscripts remain lost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To this day.

Los Angeles Times

Excavation continues to this day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its publication continues to this day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I am ashamed to this day".

Los Angeles Times

It's no different to this day.

Los Angeles Times

To this day sometimes I wonder.

The New York Times

To this day, it bothers me tremendously".

The New York Times - Sports

(To this day I never get it).

The New York Times

To this day, Mr. Nevin remains perplexed.

The New York Times

To this day, they blamed the road.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "To this day" to emphasize the enduring relevance or impact of a past event or situation. It adds a sense of continuity and can highlight the lasting consequences of something.

Common error

Avoid using "To this day" too frequently within a short passage. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and detract from the emphasis you're trying to create.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To this day" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a continuing state or action from a point in the past up to the present. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "To this day" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the enduring nature of something from the past to the present. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While adaptable, it's important to avoid overuse and be mindful of its purpose in highlighting continuity. Alternatives like "even now" or "still now" can offer variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Still now

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of something, similar to "To this day" but more concise.

Even now

Highlights the persistence of something up to the current moment, like "To this day".

Up until now

Focuses on the duration leading to the present, similar to "To this day" but more explicit about the time frame.

To the present day

A more formal version emphasizing the link to the current time period.

As of today

Emphasizes the current date as a reference point, similar to "To this day" but more specific.

Until the present time

Highlights the continuous nature of something existing up to now, similar to "To this day".

As things stand

Focuses on the current situation, implying a continuation from the past.

In the current climate

Highlights how current conditions are influenced by the past.

Things being what they are

Explains how current situations are related to actions from the past.

In this day and age

Emphasizes that something is still relevant or occurring in modern times.

FAQs

How can I use "To this day" in a sentence?

Use "To this day" to indicate that something remains true or relevant from a past time until the present. For example, "To this day I still remember the advice my grandfather gave me."

What are some alternatives to "To this day"?

You can use alternatives such as "even now", "still now", or "up until now" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "To this day" or "To the present day"?

"To the present day" is generally considered a more formal variant of "To this day", emphasizing the continuous period up to the current time. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

What's the difference between "To this day" and "Nowadays"?

"To this day" connects a past event or situation to the present, emphasizing its lasting impact. "Nowadays" refers to current trends or conditions without necessarily linking them to a specific past event. For example, compare "To this day it bothers me" and "Nowadays people use social media".