these days

USAGE SUMMARY

"these days" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to talk about the present time, especially when talking about how something is different from the past. Example sentence: These days, more people are relying on technology to get their work done.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These days?

The New York Times

It's acceptable these days.

Independent

Sadly necessary these days.

The New York Times

But these days?

Independent

These days, everybody ebbs.

The New Yorker

"Who sews these days?

The New York Times

At least these days.

Independent

But these days, U.F.O.

The New York Times

That's alluring these days.

The New York Times

Including these days.

The New York Times

Adults these days!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these days" to contrast current situations with past conditions or trends. It is especially useful when highlighting changes or developments over time.

Common error

Ensure that the context clearly indicates the timeframe "these days" refers to. Avoid using it in situations where the specific period is vague or undefined.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "these days" is as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time frame in which an action or state occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe the present time, especially in contrast to the past. For example, "Who sews these days?"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "these days" is a very common adverbial phrase used to denote the present time, often in contrast to the past. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to emphasize current trends or situations. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the timeframe to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, consider using "nowadays" or "currently" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nowadays

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the contrast with the past.

currently

This alternative highlights the present moment and the existing situation.

at present

This alternative is a more formal way of saying "currently".

in this day and age

This alternative emphasizes the characteristics of the current era.

in modern times

This alternative focuses on the present period in relation to historical periods.

in today's world

This alternative highlights the current global environment.

in recent times

This alternative emphasizes the short duration of the current period.

at this time

This alternative is a general way to refer to the present moment.

in the present era

This alternative is a more formal and broad way of referring to the present.

in our time

This alternative emphasizes the speaker's or audience's shared experience of the present.

FAQs

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

"These days" is used to refer to the present time, especially when contrasting it with the past. For example, "These days, many people work from home."

What are some alternatives to "these days"?

Alternatives include "nowadays", "currently", or "at present". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "these days" and "in this day and age"?

While both refer to the present, "in this day and age" emphasizes the unique characteristics or challenges of the current era, while "these days" is a more general reference to the present time.

When should I avoid using "these days"?

Avoid using "these days" if the timeframe is unclear or if a more specific time reference is needed. For instance, if you mean "last week" or "in 2024", use those phrases instead.