The English language evolves like a flowing river, shaping communication over decades as phrases rise and fade. Is It Correct to Say “These Days”? Yes, but only when its use feels natural and aligns with modern contexts, as grammar guides and experts suggest.
In casual conversations, “these days” sounds natural, fitting smoothly into speech, but in formal writing, its placement requires care.
Observing real usage and consulting bestselling grammar guides helps keep expressions polished and relevant in today’s dynamic language.
English is full of expressions that seem simple, yet leave learners wondering if they’re being used correctly. One phrase that often sparks questions is “these days.” Is it always grammatically correct? Can it refer to the past? Are there better alternatives for formal writing?
This guide dives deep into the meaning, grammar, and proper usage of “these days” so you can use it naturally and confidently. We’ll explore examples, mistakes to avoid, synonyms, and tips to sound fluent in any context.
What Does “These Days” Mean?
The phrase “these days” is a time expression that refers to the current period or present era, not a specific day or moment. It signals a general trend or ongoing state rather than something happening at this exact second.
For example:
- “People work remotely a lot these days.”
- “Kids spend more time on screens these days.”
Both sentences highlight current habits or conditions, not isolated events.
Key points:
- “These” functions as a demonstrative adjective pointing to the current period.
- “Days” is a plural noun, emphasizing a period.
- The phrase carries a broad, ongoing sense, often implying change compared to the past.
Is It Grammatically Correct to Say “These Days”?
Yes, “these days” is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both spoken and written English. The structure follows standard grammar rules:
- Demonstrative adjective (“these”) modifies the plural noun “days.”
- It naturally pairs with present tenses (simple present, present continuous) when describing habits or trends.
Where confusion arises is with tense agreement. Learners often pair it with past events, which can sound awkward or incorrect.
Correct:
- “People exercise more these days.”
- “I’m eating healthier these days.”
Incorrect:
- “I walk to work a lot these days.” (Mixes past tense with a present-period phrase.)
Proper Usage of “These Days” in Everyday English
In American English, “these days” is common in both casual speech and professional contexts. However, tone and placement matter.
You can use it:
- To describe habits or trends (“People drink less soda these days.”)
- To express changes from the past (“Jobs feel more competitive these days than before.”)
- In questions (“Do you read many books these days?”)
- In neutral or critical tones, depending on context:
- Neutral: “Streaming is popular these days.”
- Critical: “Kids don’t play outside much these days.”
It works in both spoken and written English, though in formal writing, alternatives like “currently” or “at present” may fit better.
Common Contexts and Examples
“These days” appears in conversations, news, business reports, and casual writing. Here’s how it looks in different contexts:
Everyday Speech
- “People are into plant-based diets these days.”
- “It’s rare to see handwritten letters these days.”
Professional or News Contexts
- “Businesses rely heavily on digital platforms these days.”
- “Remote work is a major trend these days in the tech industry.”
Questions
- “What hobbies are you into these days?”
- “Are you reading much fiction these days?”
“These Days” vs. “Right Now” vs. Other Time Expressions
Many people confuse “these days” with “right now” or similar phrases. Each conveys a different sense of time.
| Expression | Meaning | Formality | Example |
| These days | Refers to the current period; general or habitual. | Neutral | “People value work-life balance these days.” |
| Right now | Refers to this exact moment. | Neutral | “I’m cooking dinner right now.” |
| Nowadays | Similar to “these days” but slightly more formal. | Slightly formal | “Nowadays, most people shop online.” |
| Currently | Best for formal writing or reports. | Formal | “The company is currently hiring staff.” |
| Lately | Suggests recent but not ongoing; implies change. | Neutral | “I’ve been tired a lot lately.” |
Grammar Behind “These Days”
The phrase pairs naturally with present tenses, especially:
- Simple present (“I walk to work these days.”)
- Present continuous (“I’m learning French these days.”)
Avoid using it with:
- Simple past (“I visited that park a lot these days.” – Incorrect)
- Past perfect (“I had studied there a lot these days.” – Incorrect)
Why? Because “these days” signals ongoing or current time, while past tenses indicate completed actions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using “these days” correctly means avoiding a few pitfalls:
- Mixing with Past Events
- Wrong: “I watched a lot of movies these days when I was younger.”
- Right: “I watched a lot of movies in those days when I was younger.”
- Overusing in Formal Writing
- Instead, use: “currently,” “at present,” or “as of now.”
- Confusing with Similar Phrases
- “These times” is rare and sounds awkward in most contexts.
- “Those days” refers to the past, not the present.
Synonyms and Alternatives
Sometimes “these days” feels too casual or repetitive. Here are common alternatives, with notes on tone and usage:
| Alternative | When to Use | Example |
| Nowadays | Slightly formal; often in essays or reports. | “Nowadays, students rely on online tools.” |
| Currently | Professional, formal, or written contexts. | “The company is currently expanding.” |
| At present | Formal writing and announcements. | “The museum is closed at present.” |
| Lately | Implies recent changes, often with the present perfect. | “I’ve been cooking a lot lately.” |
| As of now | Legal or official statements. | “No updates are available as of now.” |
Practical Examples and Tips
To sound natural, combine “these days” with other expressions and vary your sentence structures. Here are 10 examples you can use as models:
- “People rely on smartphones for almost everything these days.”
- “Are you watching many movies these days?”
- “It’s common to see hybrid work models these days.”
- “Kids don’t play outside as often these days as they used to.”
- “Social media feels overwhelming these days.”
- “Companies prioritize remote talent these days.”
- “Parents talk about screen time a lot these days.”
- “Do you travel much these days?”
- “Restaurants offer more vegan options these days.”
- “Online learning dominates education these days.”
Quick Related Grammar Lessons
To better understand “these days,” here are brief notes on related topics:
- Demonstrative Adjectives (“these”): Words like “these” modify nouns by pointing to specific things or times.
- Starting a Sentence with “During”: It’s correct, but use a comma when the introductory clause is long.
- Double Comparatives: Avoid phrases like “more better”; use one comparative word only.
- Common Confusions:
- “Get home” is correct, not “get to home.”
- “In the meantime” works for temporary periods between events.
- Place commas correctly around “unfortunately.”
- “More often” is always correct when comparing frequency.
Final Thoughts
The phrase “these days” is a staple of natural English. It’s grammatically correct, widely used, and perfect for describing ongoing trends, habits, or changes in the present era. The key is using it with the right tense (present, not past) and knowing when to swap it for a synonym like “currently” or “nowadays” in formal contexts.
Mastering its usage helps your English sound fluent and natural, whether you’re chatting with friends, writing an email, or drafting a report. When in doubt, ask yourself: Am I talking about the current period, not a single moment, or the past? If yes, “these days” is almost always the right choice.
FAQs
Can “these days” refer to the past?
No. Use “those days” for the past. “These days” refers to the present period.
Is “these days” formal or informal?
It’s neutral. Fine for casual speech and semi-formal writing, but “currently” fits better in formal documents.
What’s the difference between “these days” and “nowadays”?
Both mean the same thing, but “nowadays” sounds slightly more formal and fits better in writing.
Can I start a sentence with “these days”?
Yes. Example: “These days, remote jobs dominate the market.”
Which tenses should I avoid with “these days”?
Avoid past or past perfect tenses. Stick with the present simple or the present continuous.
