When it comes to writing the word ‘today’ in its possessive form, it can confuse many as to whether to use an apostrophe or not. This guide will help you comprehend the appropriate usage of ‘today’s‘ and ‘todays‘ in English grammar.
Understanding the Basics
Firstly, we need to recognize the fundamental role of an apostrophe in English. Primarily, it has two usages: to denote possession and to indicate a contraction. Understanding this is key because it directly applies to the usage of ‘today’s’ and ‘todays’.
Using ‘Today’s’
‘Today’s’ is the correct possessive form of ‘today’. Here, the apostrophe indicates something belonging to or associated with the present day. Some examples include:
- Today’s weather is unpredictable.
- I’m really enjoying today’s music playlist.
- Don’t forget today’s meeting.
Using ‘Todays’
On the flip side, ‘todays’ without an apostrophe is almost always incorrect as it suggests a plural form of ‘today’, which is rarely used or seen in standard English. Some unusual examples of its use are stylistic or poetic, such as in the book title ‘All Our Wrong Todays’.
‘Today’s’ vs ‘Todays’
In the context of regular conversation and formal writing, ‘today’s’ implies association or possession with the present day, whereas, ‘todays’, without the apostrophe, is uncommon and considered incorrect. Hence, when writing, it’s crucial to use ‘today’s’ to reflect a clear and grammatically correct message.
Conclusions
The difference between ‘today’s’ and ‘todays’ might seem minor, but ensuring the accurate usage sharpens the clarity and precision of our communication. Remember, use ‘today’s’ when you’re referring to something associated with the current day. Conversely, ‘todays’ has a very specific and seldom used purpose in English and is generally considered a mistake in formal writing. Thus, mastering this small but important grammatical detail will improve and add credibility to your written English expressions.