Many English learners, writers, and even native speakers often ask: should I write todays or today’s? At first glance, they look almost identical, but using the wrong form can make your writing confusing or grammatically incorrect. This is a very common search because people encounter it in emails, social media posts, articles, and school work.
The confusion comes from the difference between plural forms, possessive forms, and contractions. “Todays” without an apostrophe is rarely correct, while “today’s” with an apostrophe shows possession or means “of today.” Knowing the correct form is essential for clear communication and professional writing.
This guide will help you understand the quick answer, the origin of the word, regional usage, and the common mistakes people make. You’ll also see real-life examples, learn which form to use in different contexts, and get insights from Google Trends to see which form is more popular. By the end, you’ll confidently know when to use todays or today’s in every situation.
Todays or Today’s – Quick Answer
- Todays → Generally incorrect in most contexts
- Today’s → Correct when showing possession or meaning “of today”
Examples:
- Correct: Today’s weather is sunny. (Weather of today)
- Correct: I love today’s news. (News from today)
- Incorrect: Todays weather is sunny.
Rule of thumb: Use today’s with an apostrophe for almost all cases.
The Origin of Todays / Today’s
The word “today” comes from Old English “to dæge”, meaning “on this day.” Over time, English developed possessive forms using ’s to indicate ownership or association.
- Today’s = “of today” → possessive
- Todays without an apostrophe rarely appears in classical texts, and when it does, it is often informal or incorrect.
Understanding its origin helps explain why the apostrophe is necessary in modern writing.
British English vs American English Spelling
For “todays/today’s,” there is no regional spelling difference. Both British and American English use today’s with an apostrophe.
Key Rule
- Always use ’s for possession or “of today.”
- Avoid “todays” unless in very rare stylistic contexts (like old poetic writing).
Comparison Table
| Variation | Correct? | Notes | Example |
| todays | ❌ | Informal / incorrect in modern usage | Todays weather is sunny. ❌ |
| today’s | ✅ | Possessive / “of today” | Today’s schedule is full. ✅ |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- US and UK / Commonwealth: Always today’s
- School or professional writing: Always today’s
- Informal writing / text messages: Some may write “todays,” but it is grammatically wrong
Tip: Consistency matters. Stick with today’s in all formal and online content.
Common Mistakes with Todays / Today’s
❌ Forgetting the apostrophe → Todays events are exciting.
✔️ Correct → Today’s events are exciting.
❌ Confusing plural with possessive
✔️ Remember: “today” is singular, so possession needs ’s
❌ Using “todays” for every context
✔️ Only “today’s” is correct in modern English
Todays / Today’s in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- Please check today’s agenda before the meeting.
News Headlines:
- Today’s top stories: Market update and sports results.
Social Media:
- Loving today’s vibes!
Formal Writing:
- Today’s research highlights the importance of renewable energy.
Incorrect:
- Todays agenda is ready. ❌
Todays or Today’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
- “Today’s” is overwhelmingly more common than “todays” in both US and UK searches.
- “Todays” is almost always an error in modern English content.
- For SEO and content writing, targeting today’s ensures clarity and better search relevance.
Keyword Comparison Table
| Variation | Correct? | Usage Context | Example |
| todays | ❌ | Rare/incorrect | Todays schedule ❌ |
| today’s | ✅ | All formal & online content | Today’s schedule ✅ |
FAQs – Todays or Today’s
1. Can I write “todays” without an apostrophe?
Generally no, it’s considered incorrect. Use today’s.
2. Why do people confuse it?
Because it sounds plural, but “today” is singular and needs an apostrophe for possession.
3. Is it the same in British and American English?
Yes, both use today’s.
4. Can “todays” ever be correct?
Very rarely in poetic or stylistic writing, but not in modern English.
5. How do I remember the correct form?
Think: today’s = “of today”. The apostrophe shows possession.
6. Is “today’s” used in SEO content?
Yes, it’s preferred for relevance and clarity.
7. What about “yesterday’s” or “tomorrow’s”?
The same rule applies—always use the apostrophe.
Conclusion:
The correct form for modern English is today’s, not todays. The apostrophe shows possession or means “of today,” and it is used consistently in emails, articles, social media posts, and formal writing. There is no British vs American difference, so writers worldwide should use today’s for clarity and correctness.
Using the wrong form, “todays,” can make your writing look unprofessional or confuse readers. For SEO purposes, targeting today’s ensures your content aligns with how people actually search.
Remember these simple rules:
- Today’s = correct → possessive or “of today”
- Todays = incorrect → avoid in modern writing
Consistency is key. Whether you’re writing a blog post, sending an email, or creating social media content, using today’s correctly improves readability, professionalism, and audience trust.
Hi, I’m Henry William, the author of GrammarTribe.com. I’m passionate about the English language and have dedicated my career to helping people master grammar, spelling, and effective writing. Over the years, I’ve guided learners, writers, and professionals in understanding common mistakes, tricky rules, and nuances of English grammar in a simple and easy-to-follow way.
Through GrammarTribe.com, I aim to make grammar approachable and enjoyable for everyone. My work focuses on providing clear explanations, practical tips, and examples that readers can apply in everyday writing, whether it’s emails, essays, social media, or professional documents. I believe that strong grammar skills empower people to communicate confidently and professionally.
When I’m not writing or researching grammar, I enjoy reading, exploring language trends, and creating educational content that simplifies complex concepts. I’m committed to helping my audience write better, understand English deeply, and avoid common pitfalls, all while making learning grammar a fun and rewarding journey.
