Many English learners feel confused when they hear or read the phrase “these days.” It sounds simple, but the way people use it in real conversations can be tricky.
Sometimes it talks about the present, sometimes about change, and sometimes it feels like it compares the past and now.
You might have heard sentences like, “People are very busy these days,” or “I don’t watch TV these days.” But what exactly does it mean? Is it about today? This week? Or something else?
This confusion is very common, especially for beginners and non-native speakers. The words “these” and “days” are easy on their own, but together they create a special meaning that is not always obvious.
Understanding this phrase is very important because native speakers use it all the time in daily conversation. You will hear it in movies, social media, classrooms, and even in casual chats with friends.
By the end of this lesson, you will clearly understand:
- What “these” means
- What “days” means
- How “these days” works as a phrase
- The difference between the words and the phrase
- How to use it correctly in real-life situations
What Does “These” Mean?
Simple Definition
The word “these” is a plural demonstrative pronoun or determiner. It is used to talk about more than one thing that is near you (in place, time, or idea).
When to Use “These”
Use “these” when:
- You are talking about plural nouns
- The things are close to you (physically or mentally)
- You want to point out specific items
Grammar Rule
“These” is the plural form of “this.”
- This → one thing
- These → more than one thing
Structure:
- These + plural noun
- OR “These” used alone as a pronoun
Example Sentences
- These apples are very fresh.
- I like these shoes.
- Can you see these stars?
- These books belong to me.
- These problems are difficult.
- I bought these yesterday.
- These children are playing outside.
- These ideas are interesting.
Common Learner Confusion
Many students mix up “these” and “those.”
- “These” = near
- “Those” = far
❌ Wrong: Those flowers here are beautiful.
✅ Correct: These flowers here are beautiful.
Another mistake is using “these” with singular nouns:
❌ These book is mine.
✅ This book is mine.
✅ These books are mine.
What Does “Days” Mean?
Simple Definition
The word “days” is the plural form of “day.” It means more than one day, or a period of time.
When to Use “Days”
Use “days” when:
- Talking about multiple days
- Referring to time in general
- Describing a period in someone’s life
Grammar Rule
“Days” is a countable plural noun.
Structure:
- Number + days (three days, five days)
- Descriptive phrase (busy days, happy days)
Example Sentences
- I worked for three days.
- These days are very hot.
- My school days were fun.
- We stayed there for two days.
- Rainy days make me sleepy.
- Those were good days.
- I have busy days at work.
- The last few days were stressful.
Common Learner Confusion
Some learners confuse “days” with “day’s” or “days’.”
- “Days” = plural
- “Day’s” = possessive (one day)
- “Days’” = possessive (many days)
Example:
- The day’s work is done. (one day)
- Two days’ work is finished. (two days)
Difference Between “These” and “Days” (Detailed)
At first, “these” and “days” may look connected, but they are very different in grammar and meaning.
Comparison Table
| Feature | These | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pronoun/Determiner | Noun |
| Meaning | Points to things | Refers to time |
| Number | Always plural | Always plural |
| Use | Before nouns or alone | As a subject/object |
| Example | These books | Five days |
Usage Difference
- “These” is used to show or point to something
- “Days” is used to talk about time
Example:
- These are my friends. (pointing)
- These days are busy. (time period)
Grammar Logic
“These” needs a noun or replaces one:
- These people
- These are nice
“Days” acts as a noun:
- I worked for days
- The days are long
Sentence Structure Difference
- These + plural noun → These cars are new
- Days as subject → Days pass quickly
Meaning Comparison
“These” = Which ones?
“Days” = When or how long?
When combined, they form a phrase with a special meaning (explained below).
Understanding the Phrase “These Days”
Now comes the most important part.
Simple Meaning
“These days” means “nowadays” or “in the present time.”
It talks about what is happening in modern life or recently.
When to Use It
Use “these days” when:
- Talking about current habits
- Comparing past and present
- Describing modern situations
Examples
- People are very busy these days.
- I don’t watch TV these days.
- These days, everyone uses smartphones.
- Life is expensive these days.
- I feel tired these days.
- Kids play online games these days.
- These days, it is hard to find good jobs.
- Food is costly these days.
Grammar Rules You Must Remember
Rule #1: Use Present Tense
“These days” usually works with present simple or present continuous.
Example:
✅ I work from home these days.
✅ She is studying a lot these days.
Rule #2: It Talks About General Time
It does not mean today only. It means a period around now.
Example:
✅ These days, I wake up early.
Rule #3: Often Used for Change
It shows a difference between past and present.
Example:
✅ I don’t go out much these days. (I used to go before)
Rule #4: Flexible Position in Sentence
You can place it at the beginning or end.
Examples:
✅ These days, people prefer online shopping.
✅ People prefer online shopping these days.
Common Mistakes Students Make
1. Using Wrong Tense
❌ I went to the gym these days.
✅ I go to the gym these days.
Tip: Use present tense.
2. Thinking It Means “Today”
❌ I will call you these days.
✅ I will call you today.
“These days” is not for a specific day.
3. Overusing It
Some students use it in every sentence.
❌ These days I eat, these days I sleep, these days I study.
Tip: Use it only when talking about general present trends.
4. Mixing with “Nowadays” Incorrectly
“These days” and “nowadays” are similar, but tone matters.
“These days” sounds more natural in casual speech.
Easy Trick to Remember the Difference
Think like this:
- “These” = pointing
- “Days” = time
- “These days” = this time in life
A simple memory trick:
👉 Imagine pointing at the present time and saying:
“These days are like this.”
So whenever you talk about modern life or recent habits, use “these days.”
Daily Life Examples (Very Important)
Here are real-life sentences you will hear in everyday conversations:
- I don’t sleep well these days.
- These days, everyone is on social media.
- I eat healthy food these days.
- These days, people prefer online shopping.
- I feel very busy these days.
- These days, students study online.
- I don’t watch movies these days.
- These days, the weather is strange.
- I talk to my friends less these days.
- These days, life feels fast.
Practice Section
Choose the correct option:
- I ___ very busy these days.
a) was
b) am - These days, people ___ more online.
a) shop
b) shopped - I don’t play cricket ___ days.
a) these
b) those - These ___ are very hot.
a) day
b) days - I ___ coffee these days.
a) drink
b) drank
Answers:
- b) am
- a) shop
- a) these
- b) days
- a) drink
FAQs
1. What is the difference between “these” and “these days”?
“These” points to plural things near you. “These days” refers to the present time or modern life. One is a grammar word, the other is a time expression.
2. Can we use “these days” in questions?
Yes, you can.
Example: Do you exercise these days?
It sounds natural and is used in daily conversation.
3. Is “these days” formal or informal?
It is mostly informal and conversational, but it is also acceptable in semi-formal writing. It sounds natural in speech.
4. Can I use past tense with “these days”?
Usually no. It describes the present, so use present tense. Past tense sounds incorrect in most cases.
5. Is “these days” the same as “nowadays”?
They are very similar in meaning. “These days” is more common in spoken English, while “nowadays” is slightly more formal.
6. Can I use “these days” at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, and it is very common.
Example: These days, people use smartphones a lot.
Final Conclusion
The phrase “these days” may look simple, but it plays an important role in everyday English. It helps you talk about the present time, especially when you want to describe changes, habits, or modern life.
Understanding the difference between “these,” “days,” and “these days” makes your English clearer and more natural. Once you know how each part works, the full phrase becomes much easier to use.
Remember to use present tense, avoid using it for specific days, and keep it for general situations happening now. Practice using it in daily conversations, and you will start sounding more like a natural speaker.
Keep learning step by step. Small phrases like this can make a big difference in your confidence and fluency.
I am Nathan Scott, a passionate English grammar educator and content writer at GrammarVers, dedicated to helping learners improve their language skills through simple lessons, practical examples, and effective learning resources.
