English can be tricky, especially when it comes to small words like “todays” and “today’s.” Many learners and even native speakers often wonder: Which one is correct? Is it okay to write “todays news” without an apostrophe, or should it always be “today’s news”?
Understanding the correct usage is essential, not just for writing essays or emails, but also for day-to-day communication. Misusing apostrophes can make your writing look careless, and in professional or academic settings, it may even affect how your readers perceive you.
In both the UK and the US, the rules for possessive forms are the same. However, slight stylistic differences exist in casual writing, which we will explore. By the end of this article, you will not only know which form is correct but also gain confidence using it naturally in sentences.
Quick Answer
The correct form is “today’s” with an apostrophe.
“Today’s” is the possessive form of “today,” meaning “belonging to today” or “of today.” For example, “today’s weather” means “the weather of today.”
On the other hand, “todays” without an apostrophe is incorrect in standard English. It may appear in informal writing, but it is considered a grammatical mistake in both British and American English.
Meaning of the Correct Form
“Today’s” is a possessive noun, indicating that something belongs to or relates to the current day. It is formed by adding an apostrophe + s (‘s) to the word “today.”
Examples in British English (UK)
- Today’s newspaper is full of interesting articles.
- Today’s football match was very exciting.
- I can’t believe today’s weather is so sunny!
Examples in American English (US)
- Today’s meeting has been rescheduled to 3 PM.
- Did you read today’s headlines?
- I’m worried about today’s exam.
In both UK and US English, “today’s” is universally recognized as correct. The apostrophe shows possession, meaning something belongs to or is associated with today.
Meaning of the Incorrect Form
“Todays” without an apostrophe is often seen in informal writing, social media, or rushed texts. It is not standard English and is considered incorrect in formal writing.
Examples of Incorrect Usage
- I love reading todays news. ❌
- Todays schedule is very busy. ❌
- Todays weather is unpredictable. ❌
Even though readers may understand the meaning, using “todays” in essays, reports, or official emails can appear unprofessional.
Keyword Comparison / Key Differences
| Aspect | Today’s (Correct) | Todays (Incorrect) |
| Apostrophe | Yes (’s) | No |
| Meaning | Belongs to today | N/A (grammatical error) |
| Usage | UK & US | Informal only |
| Examples | Today’s news, today’s plan | Todays news ❌, Todays plan ❌ |
Key Takeaway: Always use today’s with an apostrophe to indicate possession.
Common Mistakes People Make
Even native speakers make mistakes with “today’s.” Here are some frequent errors:
- Forgetting the apostrophe
- Incorrect: Todays weather is rainy. ❌
- Correct: Today’s weather is rainy. ✅
- Using “todays” as a plural
- Some think “todays” is the plural of “today.”
- This is wrong; “today” does not have a plural form in standard English.
- Mixing with “tomorrow’s” or “yesterday’s”
- Confusion often arises with other possessives. Always check if the apostrophe is needed.
- Casual texting habits
- Social media posts sometimes drop apostrophes: Todays lesson was fun. While common online, it’s grammatically incorrect.
- Misreading headlines
- Some newspapers or websites omit the apostrophe for space or stylistic reasons: Todays Top Stories. This is a stylistic choice but not correct standard English.
Correct Usage in Sentences
Here are real-life examples of correct usage for both UK and US readers.
British English (UK)
- I read today’s newspaper on the train.
- Today’s weather forecast predicts heavy rain.
- Have you seen today’s football results?
- Today’s special at the café is chicken tikka.
- She couldn’t attend today’s meeting due to illness.
American English (US)
- Today’s schedule includes a team meeting at 10 AM.
- Did you watch today’s basketball game?
- Today’s headlines are shocking!
- He forgot to submit today’s assignment.
- I love today’s fashion trends.
Tip: In both UK and US English, the pattern is consistent always use today’s with the apostrophe.
Tips to Remember the Correct Usage
- Apostrophe = Possession: If something belongs to today, use today’s.
- Mnemonic Trick: “Today is Ours’ Day” → think of it as today’s something.
- Check for Plural Confusion: “Today” doesn’t have a plural, so “todays” is almost always wrong.
- Read Out Loud: If it sounds like “of today,” it probably needs an apostrophe.
- Compare with Other Possessives: Just like yesterday’s or tomorrow’s, today’s follows the same pattern.
FAQs
1. Can I use “todays” in informal writing?
Yes, sometimes people drop the apostrophe on social media, but it’s not correct in formal writing.
2. Is “today’s” the same in UK and US English?
Yes, both use the apostrophe to show possession. The rules are identical.
3. Why do some newspapers write “Todays Top Stories”?
This is usually a stylistic choice to save space. Strict grammar rules prefer Today’s Top Stories.
4. Can “today” ever be plural?
No. “Today” represents the current day, so it cannot be plural.
5. Is “todays” ever correct?
Only in very rare brand names or stylistic uses. In standard grammar, it is incorrect.
6. How do I remember to add the apostrophe?
Think: “This belongs to today” → today’s.
7. Are there other words similar to “today’s”?
Yes, words like yesterday’s, tomorrow’s, child’s, friend’s all use an apostrophe to show possession.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct form is “today’s” with an apostrophe. It shows possession, meaning something belongs to or is associated with today. Using “todays” without an apostrophe is incorrect and should be avoided in professional, academic, and formal writing.
Remember these key points:
- Always use today’s for possession.
- Avoid dropping the apostrophe, even in casual contexts.
- Use mnemonic tricks or read your sentences aloud to check.
- The rules are the same in both UK and US English, so you can confidently apply them anywhere.
By mastering today’s vs todays, you can improve your writing, avoid common mistakes, and communicate clearly in both formal and informal contexts.
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I’m Benjamin Clark, a passionate grammar and language enthusiast who loves making English simple and easy to understand. I create clear, practical content that helps readers improve their writing, avoid common mistakes, and speak with confidence. From tricky grammar rules to everyday word confusion, I enjoy breaking complex topics into easy explanations. My goal is to make learning English engaging, useful, and enjoyable for everyone.
