What is today? Pronunciation and usage in English

today means . Learn how to pronounce and use today through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of today

todayadverb

/təˈdeɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of today

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "today" in English. It's a common stumbling block for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈteɪdeɪ/ (This is phonetic transcription - a way to write sounds)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "te": Pronounced like the "tay" in "tray" or "say". It's a short, quick vowel sound.

  2. "day": Pronounced like the word "day." Think of the simple "day" sound.

Putting it together:

Say it slowly: "Tay-day"

Then speed it up a little: "Today"

Important Notes:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("te"). You want to say "tay" a little louder and longer than "day."

  • Don't over-emphasize the 'a': It's not a long "ay" sound like in "play." It's a short, quick sound, like in "tray."

Resources to Listen:

  • Google Translate: Type "today" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. It will give you a very clear pronunciation.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/today/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce today" - you'll find countless videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more example words with similar pronunciations?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (like the vowel sound)?

Usage and examples with the word today in English

Let's break down how to use the word "today" in English. It's a really simple word, but it has a few key uses and nuances.

1. Basic Usage - Referring to the Current Day

The most common use of “today” is to simply refer to the day we're currently experiencing.

  • Example: "Today is Monday."
  • Example: "I'm going to the park today."
  • Example: "Let's have lunch today."

2. Introducing a Statement or Event

“Today” can introduce something specific that's happening or known now. It emphasizes the immediacy of the situation.

  • Example: "Today, I learned a new word." (Focuses on the fact that you learned it this day)
  • Example: "Today, the weather is beautiful." (Highlights the current weather conditions)
  • Example: "Today, we’re meeting at 2 pm." (Specifies the time of the meeting happening now)

3. Contrasting with Other Times

"Today" is often used to contrast with a past or future time. This helps clarify when something is happening.

  • Example: "I was sad yesterday, but today I’m feeling much better." (Compares the feeling from the previous day)
  • Example: "I worked all day yesterday, so today I’m going to relax." (Contrasts yesterday's activity with today's planned relaxation)
  • Example: "I’ll call you tomorrow, but today I have a lot of work to do." (Highlights the priority of work today)

4. Phrases with "Today"

  • "Today's date": Refers to the specific calendar date. "Today's date is October 26, 2023."
  • “Today and tomorrow”: Refers to the current and following day. “I’m going to the store today and tomorrow.”
  • "Every day today": (Less common, often sounds slightly awkward) This could mean "every day this week" or “every day from now on," depending on context. Be careful with this one.

Tips for Using "Today" Correctly:

  • It’s generally informal: “Today” is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, but it might be less common in very formal writing.
  • Don’t overuse it: While it's fine to use it occasionally, overusing "today" can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Often, the context will make it clear that you're referring to the present day.

Could you give me an example sentence you'd like me to analyze, or tell me what you're trying to say with "today" so I can give you more specific feedback? For example, are you wondering about a particular situation where you want to use it?

Synonyms for the word today

Practice with vocabulary today

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Our team meeting is scheduled for 10 AM _____. Please ensure all reports are submitted beforehand.
  2. The report, which was due _____, received an extension until Friday.
  3. I need to complete this critical task _____ to meet the deadline for the project.
  4. We plan to revisit this discussion _____ afternoon, once all stakeholders have had a chance to review the proposal.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which option best describes the current day? A) Today B) The present day C) This morning D) Yesterday

  2. Our project manager requested the revised timeline be submitted by the end of _____. A) today B) this afternoon C) tomorrow D) the week

  3. Which sentences correctly refer to something happening or being relevant on the current day? A) The board meeting is taking place today. B) We discussed this issue yesterday. C) The current market trends are unpredictable. D) I will send you the agenda next Monday.

  4. To ensure consistent progress, we conduct a _____ stand-up meeting. A) daily B) weekly C) monthly D) future

  5. The system is _____ undergoing maintenance, so access is temporarily restricted. A) currently B) always C) tomorrow D) at present

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to use a form of "today": The meeting scheduled for this day has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to use "today": It is essential that we achieve these targets before the close of this day.

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "today" or its forms, using a suitable replacement: The team will reconvene on the day after this one to discuss the next steps.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Our team meeting is scheduled for 10 AM today. Please ensure all reports are submitted beforehand.
  2. The report, which was due yesterday, received an extension until Friday.
  3. I need to complete this critical task today to meet the deadline for the project.
  4. We plan to revisit this discussion this afternoon, once all stakeholders have had a chance to review the proposal.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) Today, B) The present day
  2. A) today, B) this afternoon
  3. A) The board meeting is taking place today., C) The current market trends are unpredictable.
  4. A) daily
  5. A) currently, D) at present

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Today's meeting has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
  2. It is essential that we achieve these targets today.
  3. The team will reconvene tomorrow to discuss the next steps.

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