How to say “these days” like a native speaker
During the current period, often in contrast with the past. It describes a broader stretch of time than this exact moment.
All phrases · Small talk
Hear “these days” in real speech
Clip 1 · BBC Learning English
"I love autumn!" 🍁🍄🎃 | Improve your listening with Real Easy English · 3:36
About this video
Becca and Neil talk about autumn in the UK in this BBC Learning English conversation. They discuss cooler weather, falling leaves and seasonal events such as Halloween and Bonfire Night.
In context
and we stand around the fire.And actually it's more about fireworks these days.
So, fireworks are those very pretty explosions in the sky that we look at
Clip 2 · TED
How Sharing Books Makes You Less Lonely | Rebecca Toh | TED · 9:10
About this video
Rebecca Toh describes a shared library that 180 people built together in Singapore. She introduces the people and shelves that make up this community space and connects sharing books with feeling less alone.
In context
and pouring their soul into making sure that the library is a welcoming space for everyone.And because of all this, Singapore feels a little different to me these days.
These days, Singapore feels a little more generous,
Clip 3 · Susan Cain
The power of introverts | Susan Cain | TED · 15:27
About this video
Susan Cain discusses introversion and the value of time spent alone. She begins with bringing a suitcase of books to summer camp and finding that the social expectations were different from those in her family.
In context
the police had to close down the streets of his neighborhood to accommodate the crowd of people who came out to mourn him.And so these days I try to learn from my grandfather's example in my own way.
So I just published a book about introversion, and it took me about seven years to write.
When to use “these days”
- Comparing old and new habits: “I used to drive, but I cycle these days.”
- Catching up on work: “What are you doing these days?”
Common learner mistake
Use the plural “days”: “these days”, not “these day”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “these days”
“These” ends with Z, followed by D in “days”. Both words have long vowels; do not shorten “these” to “this”.
Related phrases
Practise again tomorrow? Get one short sentence a day, ready to record in one tap.
You don't need to speak fast.
A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
Free · One email a day · Unsubscribe anytime. Confirm your email to start. We keep only your email, language, time zone and where you signed up.