Today’s or Todays? Unraveling the Apostrophe Mystery

The English language is full of quirks, and apostrophes are a prime example of its challenges. One commonly confusing situation revolves around whether to use “today’s” or “todays.”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the difference, cover apostrophe usage rules, and provide practical examples for real-life scenarios like emails and professional writing. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use which form without hesitation.

Understanding the Basics: Today’s vs Todays

To unravel the “today’s vs. todays” dilemma, let’s break it down:

1. Today’s: This form uses an apostrophe to indicate possession or association. It means something that belongs to or is associated with “today.” For example:
   • Today’s meeting (the meeting that belongs to or is scheduled for today).
   • Today’s weather (the weather specific to today).
2. Todays: Without an apostrophe, this word is incorrect in almost all contexts. English doesn’t treat “today” as a plural noun because “today” refers to a single day. You’ll rarely, if ever, need to use “todays” unless you’re intentionally crafting a phrase like “todays’ concerns” (which is rare and usually incorrect).

Key Question: Is it todays or today’s?

The answer depends on the context. If you’re referring to something belonging to today, always use “today’s.”

Common Mistakes with Apostrophes

1. Mistaking Plural for Possessive

One of the most frequent grammar mistakes is confusing plural nouns with possessive forms. People often add an apostrophe when none is needed. For example:

• Incorrect: The students’ are waiting outside.
• Correct: The students are waiting outside.

In the case of “today,” it’s never pluralized because it’s a singular noun that refers to one specific day.

2. Forgetting the Apostrophe in Possessive Forms

Leaving out the apostrophe in possessive nouns can lead to grammatical errors in writing. For instance:

• Incorrect: Todays weather is sunny.
• Correct: Today’s weather is sunny.

3. Apostrophe Misplacement

Proper apostrophe placement can be tricky. For example:

• Incorrect: Todays’ meeting agenda is long.
• Correct: Today’s meeting agenda is long.

The form “todays’” suggests multiple “todays,” which isn’t a standard usage in English.

Apostrophe Rules in English

To master the use of “today’s,” let’s revisit key apostrophe usage rules:

Singular Possessive Form

When a singular noun owns something, add an apostrophe followed by an “s.”

• Example: The dog’s leash (the leash belongs to the dog).
• Application: Today’s schedule (the schedule for today).

Plural Possessive Forms

For plural nouns ending in “s,” place the apostrophe after the “s.”

• Example: The teachers’ lounge (the lounge used by multiple teachers).

For irregular plural nouns that don’t end in “s,” add an apostrophe and “s.”

• Example: The children’s playground.

Possessive Apostrophe Examples

Let’s clarify with examples:

• Singular possessive: Today’s event, the cat’s toy.
• Plural possessive: The dogs’ park, the ladies’ hats.

Todays vs Today’s: Practical Scenarios

Now that we understand the rules, let’s explore real-world applications. We’ll look at professional and everyday writing, including emails and reports.

Example 1: Email Subject Lines

When writing emails, clarity is critical. Misusing “today’s” can confuse your reader.

• Incorrect: Todays meeting has been canceled.
• Correct: Today’s meeting has been canceled.

Here’s an example email:

Subject: Update on Today’s Meeting

Hi John,

I wanted to let you know that today’s meeting at 2 PM has been rescheduled. Please check your calendar for the updated time.

Best regards,
Susan

Example 2: Business Writing Grammar

In professional settings, grammar for emails and documents must be accurate. Misplaced apostrophes can leave a poor impression.

• Incorrect: Todays sales report is attached.
• Correct: Today’s sales report is attached.

Example:

Subject: Today’s Sales Figures

Dear Team,

Attached is today’s sales report for your review. Let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,
Mark

Example 3: Ownership or Association Grammar

Possession often comes up in discussions about schedules or updates. Ensure you use “today’s” to denote association.

• Incorrect: Todays agenda is packed.
• Correct: Today’s agenda is packed.

Example:

Today’s Agenda

1. Team introductions
2. Project updates
3. Budget review

Table: Comparing Todays vs Today’s

Phrase	Correct/Incorrect	Explanation
Today’s meeting	Correct	Shows possession: the meeting belongs to today.
Todays meeting	Incorrect	Missing apostrophe for possession.
Today’s weather	Correct	Refers to the weather specific to today.
Todays weather	Incorrect	Needs an apostrophe to indicate possession.
Todays’ concerns	Incorrect	Assumes a plural “todays,” which doesn’t exist in English.
Today’s sales report	Correct	The sales report is associated with today.
Todays sales report	Incorrect	Apostrophe required for clarity.

Common Apostrophe Errors to Avoid

1. Confusing Singular and Plural Forms

As mentioned earlier, “today” is singular and cannot be pluralized. Avoid errors like:

• Incorrect: Todays’ forecast.
• Correct: Today’s forecast.

2. Misusing Apostrophes in Plurals

Don’t add an apostrophe when making a word plural:

• Incorrect: Apple’s are on the table.
• Correct: Apples are on the table.

3. Overusing Apostrophes

Not every “s” at the end of a word requires an apostrophe. For example:

• Incorrect: The 1990’s were great.
• Correct: The 1990s were great.

Professional Writing Tips for Apostrophes

To maintain professionalism, follow these English grammar for professionals tips:

1. Proofread: Carefully review documents for errors, especially apostrophe placement.
2. Use Tools: Leverage tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s grammar checker to catch mistakes.
3. Practice: Familiarize yourself with common possessive forms and apostrophe rules in English to build confidence.
4. Simplify Sentences: When in doubt, rephrase. For example:
   • Confusing: Today’s report’s deadline is tomorrow.
   • Simplified: The deadline for today’s report is tomorrow.

Apostrophe in Today’s: Final Thoughts

When debating between “today’s” or “todays,” always remember the apostrophe indicates possession. This small mark has a big impact on clarity and professionalism. Whether you’re drafting emails, reports, or other forms of communication, proper apostrophe usage demonstrates attention to detail and command of the language.

By understanding plural and singular possessive forms, you can avoid common apostrophe errors and ensure your writing is clear, polished, and professional.

Quick Recap

• Use “today’s” for possession: Today’s meeting.
• Avoid “todays” unless discussing a rare or deliberate stylistic choice.
• Always proofread for proper apostrophe placement.
• Practice writing clear English sentences to improve your skills.

Mastering these concepts will help you write with confidence and avoid embarrassing errors. Whether you’re composing emails or drafting reports, understanding the nuances of apostrophe usage rules is a vital skill for professionals. Happy writing!