Today’s is the correct form in standard English when referring to something that belongs to, relates to, or happens on the current day. Todays without an apostrophe is almost always incorrect in modern English writing. If you’re writing about events, news, schedules, or activities happening on the present day, use today’s.
Today’s vs Todays: Which Is Correct?
Many English learners and even native speakers sometimes get confused between today’s and todays. At first glance, the difference looks small. It is only an apostrophe. However, that tiny punctuation mark completely changes whether the word is correct or incorrect.
If you’ve ever written phrases like “todays news,” “todays weather,” or “todays meeting,” you may have wondered whether an apostrophe is needed. This confusion is common because the word today already refers to the current day, making it seem unnecessary to add anything else.
The good news is that the rule is simple once you understand it.
In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between today’s and todays, when to use each form, common mistakes people make, and practical examples that will help you remember the rule forever.
Quick Answer
Which Is Correct: Today’s or Todays?
Today’s is correct in almost all situations.
Examples:
- Today’s news is shocking.
- Today’s weather is beautiful.
- Today’s meeting starts at 10 AM.
- Today’s lesson is easy to understand.
Todays without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect in standard English.
Simple Rule
If something belongs to, relates to, or happens on the current day, use today’s.
Think of it as:
today + possessive apostrophe + s = today’s
Meaning:
“of today” or “belonging to today”
Understanding the Word Today
What Does Today Mean?
The word today is an adverb or noun that refers to the present day.
Examples:
- I am busy today.
- Today is Friday.
- We will finish the project today.
In these examples, the word simply refers to the current day.
When Does Today Become Today’s?
When you want to show that something belongs to or is associated with the current day, you add an apostrophe and “s.”
Examples:
- Today’s headlines
- Today’s schedule
- Today’s special offer
- Today’s date
In each case, the meaning is:
- Headlines of today
- Schedule for today
- Offer for today
- Date of today
Why Today’s Is Correct
Understanding Possessive Apostrophes
English uses apostrophes to show possession.
Examples:
| Word | Possessive Form |
|---|---|
| Teacher | Teacher’s |
| Student | Student’s |
| Company | Company’s |
| Today | Today’s |
The apostrophe shows ownership or association.
Examples of Today’s in Sentences
- Today’s traffic is lighter than usual.
- Today’s football match starts at 8 PM.
- Today’s stock market update surprised investors.
- Today’s technology changes rapidly.
Notice that each sentence refers to something connected with the current day.
Is Todays Ever Correct?
The Short Answer
No.
In modern standard English, todays without an apostrophe is generally not accepted.
Most grammar guides, style manuals, and dictionaries consider it incorrect.
Why People Write Todays
People often forget the apostrophe because:
- They type quickly.
- Autocorrect misses the mistake.
- They assume plural rules apply.
- They misunderstand possessive forms.
For example:
Incorrect:
- Todays weather is cold.
Correct:
- Today’s weather is cold.
Today’s vs Todays Comparison Table
| Feature | Today’s | Todays |
|---|---|---|
| Grammatically correct | Yes | No |
| Uses apostrophe | Yes | No |
| Shows possession | Yes | No |
| Accepted in formal writing | Yes | No |
| Commonly used in publications | Yes | No |
Quick Memory Trick
Ask yourself:
“Can I replace it with ‘of today’?”
If yes, use today’s.
Example:
Today’s news
becomes
News of today
Since it works, use today’s.
Real World Examples
In News Headlines
Correct:
- Today’s Top Stories
- Today’s Headlines
- Today’s Breaking News
Incorrect:
- Todays Top Stories
- Todays Headlines
Major newspapers always use today’s.
In Business Writing
Correct:
- Today’s sales report
- Today’s performance review
- Today’s meeting agenda
Professional writing requires the apostrophe.
In Education
Teachers commonly write:
- Today’s homework
- Today’s lesson
- Today’s quiz
These examples show possession by the current day.
Common Situations Where Today’s Is Used
Today’s News
When discussing current events:
- Today’s news focuses on economic growth.
Today’s Weather
When talking about forecasts:
- Today’s weather will be sunny.
Today’s Date
When referring to the current calendar date:
- Today’s date is June 14.
Today’s Schedule
When discussing plans:
- Today’s schedule includes three meetings.
Today’s Topic
In classrooms and presentations:
- Today’s topic is English grammar.
Common Mistakes and Corrections
Mistake: Removing the Apostrophe
Incorrect:
- Todays meeting is cancelled.
Correct:
- Today’s meeting is cancelled.
Mistake: Using Todays in Formal Writing
Incorrect:
- Todays market report shows growth.
Correct:
- Today’s market report shows growth.
Mistake: Confusing Plurals and Possessives
Some writers think adding “s” makes a word plural.
However, todays is not a valid plural form.
The correct possessive form is:
today’s
Related Grammar Concepts
Yesterday’s vs Yesterdays
Correct:
- Yesterday’s game was exciting.
Incorrect:
- Yesterdays game was exciting.
Tomorrow’s vs Tomorrows
Correct:
- Tomorrow’s meeting has been moved.
Incorrect:
- Tomorrows meeting has been moved.
Day’s vs Days
Correct:
- A day’s work
- Today’s schedule
Plural:
- Several days passed.
Understanding this pattern helps you use apostrophes correctly.
Today’s vs Today
Today
Refers to the current day itself.
Examples:
- I am working today.
- Today feels productive.
Today’s
Refers to something connected to the current day.
Examples:
- Today’s report is complete.
- Today’s agenda is packed.
Comparison:
| Word | Example |
|---|---|
| Today | I will travel today. |
| Today’s | Today’s flight is delayed. |
Exercises With Answers
Exercise 1
Choose the correct option.
______ weather looks great.
A. Todays
B. Today’s
Answer:
B. Today’s
Exercise 2
Which sentence is correct?
A. Todays lesson is difficult.
B. Today’s lesson is difficult.
Answer:
B. Today’s lesson is difficult.
Exercise 3
Fill in the blank.
_______ headlines focus on technology.
Answer:
Today’s
Exercise 4
Correct the sentence.
Todays football game starts at 7 PM.
Answer:
Today’s football game starts at 7 PM.
Exercise 5
Which word shows possession?
A. Today
B. Today’s
Answer:
B. Today’s
Why This Grammar Rule Matters
Better Professional Writing
Correct punctuation improves:
- Emails
- Reports
- Articles
- Academic papers
Better Search Engine Content
Websites that use proper grammar often appear more trustworthy to readers.
Better Communication
Small mistakes can affect clarity and professionalism.
Using today’s correctly helps your writing look polished and credible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is today’s grammatically correct?
Yes. Today’s is the correct possessive form of today.
Is todays ever correct in English?
No. Todays without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect in standard English.
Why does today’s need an apostrophe?
The apostrophe shows possession or association with the current day.
How do you write today’s date correctly?
Use an apostrophe:
Today’s date is June 14.
Should I write today’s news or todays news?
Write today’s news.
What does today’s mean?
It means something belonging to or associated with the current day.
Can today’s be used in formal writing?
Yes. It is the standard form used in professional, academic, and business writing.
Is today’s a contraction?
No. It is a possessive form, not a contraction.
How can I remember today’s vs todays?
Replace it with “of today.” If the sentence still makes sense, use today’s.
Do newspapers use today’s or todays?
Professional newspapers and publishers use today’s.
Conclusion
The difference between today’s and todays is simple once you understand how apostrophes work. In modern English, today’s is the correct form whenever you are referring to something connected with, belonging to, or happening on the current day.
Whether you’re writing about today’s weather, today’s news, today’s schedule, or today’s meeting, the apostrophe is essential. It signals possession and follows standard English grammar rules.
On the other hand, todays without an apostrophe is considered incorrect in almost all forms of professional, academic, and everyday writing. While it may occasionally appear due to typing mistakes or informal online content, it should not be used in correct English.
A useful trick is to replace today’s with “of today.” If the phrase still makes sense, the apostrophe version is the right choice.
Mastering small grammar rules like this improves clarity, professionalism, and confidence in your writing. The next time you write about the current day, you’ll know exactly which form to choose.
