When it comes to grammar, small details matter. One such detail is understanding the difference between today and today’s. These two words seem similar, but using them incorrectly can change the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we’ll break down when to use today and when to use today’s to ensure your writing is clear and professional.

What’s the Difference Between Today and Today’s?

The difference between today and today’s is subtle but important. Today is simply a noun that refers to the present day. It doesn’t imply possession or ownership. For example, “Today is a beautiful day” simply refers to the day itself. It tells us about the day in a general sense.

However, today’s is a possessive form. It shows that something belongs to or is associated with today. For example, “Today’s meeting was productive” refers to the meeting that is happening today. The apostrophe indicates that the meeting belongs to today.

Understanding when to use today or today’s depends on the context. If you’re referring to the day itself, use today. If you’re talking about something related to or belonging to today, use today’s.

Common Mistakes: When Today’s and Todays Get Confused

One of the most common mistakes is using todays without the apostrophe. This is incorrect. The word todays is never used in standard English, so avoid it. Instead, use today’s when referring to something associated with today, such as events, meetings, or plans.

For example, writing “Todays agenda is packed” is a grammatical error. The correct form is “Today’s agenda is packed,” indicating that the agenda belongs to or is associated with today. Adding the apostrophe makes the sentence grammatically correct.

To avoid confusion, always check whether you need to show possession or ownership. If you do, remember to use today’s and not todays.

Examples of Correct Use of Today’s in Sentences

Knowing when and how to use today’s correctly can improve your writing. Here are a few examples where today’s shows possession or association with today. “Today’s agenda is filled with important meetings.” The apostrophe shows that the agenda belongs to today.

Another example could be, “I’ll finish today’s tasks before the deadline.” In this case, the apostrophe indicates that the tasks are related to today. Without the apostrophe, it would sound like you are referring to something unrelated to today.

In both examples, the apostrophe in today’s makes the sentence clearer and indicates possession. If you were to remove the apostrophe, the meaning would be incorrect or unclear.

When to Use Today Without an Apostrophe

There are times when you don’t need an apostrophe. Today is simply a noun in these cases. For example, “We’ll meet today.” Here, today refers to the day itself. There’s no need for an apostrophe because we’re not talking about possession.

Another example would be, “I’ll finish this project today.” Again, today is simply used to indicate when the project will be completed. There is no possession involved, so no apostrophe is needed.

In these instances, today stands alone as a noun. It’s important to recognize when you are referring to the day itself, not something associated with it.

Why Understanding Today vs Today’s Matters for Clear Communication

Understanding when to use today and today’s can make your writing clearer and more professional. In both business and personal contexts, using the apostrophe correctly is essential. Mistakes like “Todays meeting” can make your writing look careless or unprofessional.

For instance, in an email, if you were to write “Todays agenda,” it would distract the reader from the main message. The apostrophe in today’s agenda is essential for clarity. It shows that the agenda belongs to or is scheduled for today.

By using today’s correctly, you ensure that your writing is both professional and easy to understand. Readers will appreciate your attention to detail, and your communication will be more effective.

How to Remember When to Use Today’s vs Today

Remembering when to use today’s versus today is easy once you understand the rules. If you’re talking about something that belongs to or is related to today, use today’s with the apostrophe. For example, “Today’s event was a success.”

If you’re simply referring to the day itself, use today without an apostrophe. For example, “I have a meeting today.” No possession is involved, so no apostrophe is necessary.

One simple trick is to ask yourself if you’re showing ownership. If yes, use today’s. If you’re just talking about the day, stick with today.

Quick Recap: Today vs Today’s at a Glance

To make it easier to remember, here’s a quick reference chart:

Form	Use	Example
Today	Refers to the day itself	“We met today.”
Today’s	Possession or association with today	“Today’s agenda includes updates.”

Use this as a cheat sheet to check if you’re using today or today’s correctly in your writing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Today vs Today’s

When is todays grammatically correct?

Todays is grammatically incorrect in all contexts. Always use today’s for possession or association with today.

Can I use today’s for both singular and plural?

Today’s is singular. If you’re talking about more than one instance of today, you still use today without the apostrophe.

Conclusion: Mastering the Apostrophe in Today’s Writing

Understanding when to use today vs today’s is essential for clear and effective communication. By using the correct form, you can improve the professionalism and clarity of your writing. Remember, today’s shows possession, while today simply refers to the day itself.

The next time you write about something related to today, ask yourself: Does it show possession? If so, use today’s with the apostrophe. If you’re just talking about the day, stick with today. With these simple rules in mind, your writing will be more accurate and polished.