on this day

USAGE SUMMARY

"on this day" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer generally to the present day, or to refer to a specific day that is either important or meaningful to the speaker/writer or to someone else. Example: On this day, we remember the sacrifices of those who have served our country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On this day, she had only one strip left.

Princeton University

But on this day, they're sleepy.

Harvard University

On this day, the heat was unbearable.

The Washington Post

On this day, neither did their customers.

The Guardian

Related: On this day in 1987: Unpredicted.

The Washington Post

But on this day it was shut.

The Guardian

On this day, it was staggering.

The New York Times - Sports

But on this day, they mattered not.

The New York Times - Sports

Animals must not suffer on this day".

The Guardian - Books

On this day, however, Faez was alone.

The Guardian

There are two contests on this day.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on this day" in historical writing, ensure that the date is significant and adds value to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "on this day" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "today" or "now" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on this day" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the time frame. It is used to indicate that something happened, is happening, or will happen on the current day or a specific day being referenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on this day" is a versatile temporal marker frequently employed to denote the present day or a specific date of significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse writing contexts. With primary usage in news, academic, and scientific sources, "on this day" adds a sense of reflection or commemoration. To enhance writing, consider alternatives like "today" or "this very day" for varied tone and emphasis. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in informal contexts to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

today

Simply refers to the current day, offering a more concise alternative.

this very day

Adds emphasis to the present day, suggesting importance or significance.

that particular day

Emphasizes a specific day already mentioned or known in the context.

on that specific date

Highlights the exact date when something occurred or will occur.

the day in question

Refers to a day that is under discussion or relevant to the situation.

at that moment in time

Focuses on a precise point in time on a particular day.

on the present day

Formally refers to the current day, often in official contexts.

the date in question

Refers to a specific date that is relevant to the current context or discussion.

the anniversary of this day

Highlights the recurring nature of an event that happened on this day.

this historical day

Emphasizes the historical importance or relevance of this day.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on this day"?

Consider alternatives such as "today", "this very day", or "on that day" depending on the context.

Is "on this day" formal or informal?

"On this day" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often lends a slightly more formal or reflective tone. Consider your audience and the purpose of your writing to determine if it's the most appropriate choice.

What is the difference between "on this day" and "today"?

"On this day" often implies a sense of remembrance, historical context, or special occasion, while "today" is a more general reference to the current day without any particular emphasis.

How to use "on this day" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a significant event or to mark a specific occasion, such as "On this day, we celebrate our anniversary" or "On this day in history, the Declaration of Independence was signed".