Quick Answer: Today’s is the correct spelling when showing possession or a shortened phrase, such as today’s weather. Todays is not a standard word in everyday English. Example: Today’s meeting starts at noon.
A coworker once sent a group email titled “Todays Agenda.” Nobody said anything at first, but I noticed it right away. I quietly fixed it before forwarding the file along, and later I mentioned it to her over coffee. She was surprised. “Wait, there’s supposed to be an apostrophe?” she asked. That one small mark had been missing from her writing for years.
That conversation stuck with me. It’s such an easy detail to overlook, especially since today feels like a simple, everyday word. Most nouns just add an “s” to become plural, so it’s natural to assume the same rule applies here. It doesn’t, and that small gap is exactly where the confusion starts.
If todays or today’s has ever tripped you up while typing a quick note or a headline, this guide will clear it up completely. We’ll walk through the rule, the reasoning, and plenty of everyday examples.
Todays or Today’s: Quick Answer
Today’s is the correct spelling for possession.
Todays is not accepted in standard English writing.
Use today’s whenever something belongs to today.
Examples
- Today’s weather looks sunny and warm.
- Today’s news covered the election results.
Incorrect Example
- Todays weather looks sunny and warm.
What Does “Today’s” Mean?
Everything comes back to the word today. It’s one of the most common words in the English language, showing up in headlines, calendars, emails, and everyday conversation. On its own, today simply means the present day.
Today’s means:
- Belonging to today
- Happening on this current day
- A shortened way of saying “of today”
Here’s the key detail. Whenever you attach something to today, like an event, a headline, or a mood, you need that little apostrophe. Today turns into today’s, and that tiny mark makes all the difference.
Examples
- Today’s forecast predicts light rain by evening.
- Today’s lesson covers fractions and decimals.
- The bakery’s today’s special is sourdough bread.
Why Is “Today’s” Correct?
English follows a dependable rule here, even though it might not feel obvious at first. This isn’t a style choice or a random habit some writers picked up. When you want to show that something belongs to a noun, you usually add an apostrophe plus s.
That small addition turns today into a possessive word. It signals that whatever comes next belongs to, or relates to, this current day. This pattern stretches across countless nouns in English, not just today.
The Pattern
- today → today’s
- yesterday → yesterday’s
- tomorrow → tomorrow’s
This is a consistent grammar rule, not a coincidence.
The Incorrect Pattern
- today → todays ❌
Writing todays skips the apostrophe and breaks the possessive rule.
Todays vs Today’s: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Word | Correct or Incorrect | Meaning |
| Today’s | Correct | Possessive form of today |
| Todays | Incorrect | Missing the required apostrophe |
Key Takeaway
Always add the apostrophe when writing about something belonging to today.
The Grammar Rule, Explained Simply
Let’s slow down and really look at what’s happening here. Once the mechanics click, the confusion tends to disappear completely, and you stop relying on guesswork.
Rule for Time Words Showing Possession
Time words like today, yesterday, and tomorrow follow the standard possessive rule.
- Singular time word → add apostrophe + s
Step-by-Step: Turning Today Into Today’s
Step 1: Start with the base word: today.
Step 2: Decide if something belongs to, or relates to, today.
Step 3: If yes, you need to show possession.
Step 4: Add an apostrophe right after the final letter.
Step 5: Add an s right after the apostrophe.
Step 6: You land on today’s. That’s the finished word.
Similar Time Words With Apostrophes
| Base Word | Possessive Form |
| Today | Today’s |
| Yesterday | Yesterday’s |
| Tomorrow | Tomorrow’s |
| Week | Week’s |
When You Don’t Need an Apostrophe
Sometimes today stands completely on its own, with nothing attached to it.
| Sentence Type | Example |
| Today as a simple time word | I have a meeting today. |
| Today’s as a possessive | Today’s meeting starts at noon. |
This split really matters. Many writers add the apostrophe even when it isn’t needed, or forget it when it is.
Where Does the Word “Today” Come From?
Today has old roots in English, formed by combining two smaller words. It comes from the Old English phrase meaning “on this day,” which eventually merged into the single word we use now. Over centuries, it settled into the spelling and usage we recognize today.
Because today ends in a consonant, it follows the standard possessive rule shared by most English nouns. That history is exactly why today’s feels so natural once you understand the pattern behind it.
Why Do People Write “Todays” Instead?
This mistake is incredibly common, and it makes sense once you break it down. Most people learn spelling through repetition and habit rather than memorizing every apostrophe rule individually. That shortcut works most of the time, until a word like today needs special treatment.
Plurals Feel More Familiar
Think about words like days, weeks, and months.
People often assume today works the same simple way.
So todays starts to feel correct in their mind.
The Apostrophe Feels Optional
On a phone keyboard, typing an apostrophe takes an extra step.
Many people skip it out of habit or convenience.
The Possessive Rule Rarely Gets Taught Directly
Many learners never sit through a lesson on time-word possessives.
Without it, guessing becomes the default approach.
How “Today’s” Shows Up in Real Life
This word isn’t confined to grammar textbooks. It shows up constantly, often without anyone noticing the pattern behind it.
At Work
- Today’s meeting covers the quarterly budget.
- Today’s deadline is earlier than usual.
At School
- Today’s homework focuses on fractions.
- Today’s lesson plan includes a group project.
In the News
- Today’s headlines focus on the local election.
- Today’s weather report warns of strong winds.
In Daily Conversation
- Today’s traffic was much worse than usual.
- Today’s lunch special looks delicious.
Today’s in Everyday Writing
Emails
- Today’s update includes three new features.
- Please review today’s attached report.
News Headlines
- Today’s stock market saw a small rise.
- Today’s game ended in a tight finish.
Social Media Posts
- Today’s outfit is comfy and casual.
- Today’s workout really pushed my limits.
Formal Reports
- Today’s findings support the earlier hypothesis.
- Today’s data shows a slight improvement.
Every Related Form of “Today”
Knowing every form sharpens your grammar across the board.
| Word Form | Example |
| Today | I’ll finish the project today. |
| Today’s | Today’s project deadline is tight. |
| Todays | Not a standard English word |
Example Sentences
- Today feels busier than usual.
- Today’s schedule is packed with meetings.
- We finished today’s tasks a bit early.
- Yesterday’s plans changed because of the rain.
Common Mistakes People Make
Mistake 1: Dropping the Apostrophe
- ❌ Todays weather looks great for a picnic.
- ✅ Today’s weather looks great for a picnic.
Mistake 2: Adding an Apostrophe When It Isn’t Needed
- ❌ I’ll finish it today’s.
- ✅ I’ll finish it today.
Mistake 3: Mixing Up Today’s and Todays’ Plural Use
- ❌ The report covers todays events.
- ✅ The report covers today’s events.
Today vs Today’s: Which One Fits?
This trips up even confident, experienced writers sometimes.
| Word | Used When |
| Today | Referring simply to the present day |
| Today’s | Showing something belongs to today |
Examples
- I have a dentist appointment today.
- Today’s appointment starts at three o’clock.
- Today feels colder than yesterday.
- Today’s cold weather caught everyone off guard.
Similar Words That Follow the Same Rule
This possessive pattern reaches well beyond the word today alone.
| Base Word | Possessive Form |
| Yesterday | Yesterday’s |
| Tomorrow | Tomorrow’s |
| Tonight | Tonight’s |
| Week | Week’s |
| Year | Year’s |
Every one of these needs an apostrophe plus s to show possession, just like today.
Easy Ways to Remember “Today’s”
Memory Trick 1
If something belongs to today, add an apostrophe plus s.
Memory Trick 2
Pair it with a familiar friend: tonight becomes tonight’s, and today follows the exact same pattern.
Memory Trick 3
Ask yourself: “Does this belong to today?” If yes, use today’s.
- Today’s news
- Today’s weather
- Today’s plans
Also Read: Authorized or Authorised: Meaning, Difference, Spelling Rules, Examples, and Correct Usage
British English vs American English
Here’s some reassuring news. There’s no split at all.
Today’s works identically in both versions of English.
| Region | Correct Spelling |
| American English | today’s |
| British English | today’s |
| Canadian English | today’s |
| Australian English | today’s |
Todays stays incorrect everywhere in standard English writing.
Why Correct Spelling Actually Matters
A single missing apostrophe can leave a bigger impression than most people expect. Readers often form quick judgments within the first few lines, sometimes without even realizing they’re doing it.
In Professional Writing
A small slip can quietly chip away at your credibility.
- ❌ Todays report needs a final review.
- ✅ Today’s report needs a final review.
In Academic Writing
Grammar accuracy often shapes how grades get assigned.
In Digital Communication
Clean, correct spelling builds reader trust much faster.
Today’s in Spoken English
Spoken conversations rarely expose this mistake at all.
- Today’s meeting ran a little long.
- Today’s lunch was surprisingly good.
The error mostly appears in writing rather than speech, mainly because apostrophes are silent and don’t change how a sentence sounds out loud.
What the Usage Data Shows
Search trends and dictionaries consistently point to one answer.
Today’s is the accepted, standard spelling across every major source.
Todays shows up almost entirely as a typing slip or missed apostrophe.
Editors, journalists, and professional writers all lean toward today’s without exception.
Common Phrases Using “Today’s”
Today’s Special
- The café’s today’s special is a veggie wrap.
Today’s Forecast
- Today’s forecast calls for scattered showers.
Today’s Headlines
- Today’s headlines focus on the new policy change.
Today’s Agenda
- Today’s agenda includes a short team update.
More Real-Life Example Sentences
- Today’s traffic made everyone late for work.
- My uncle read today’s newspaper cover to cover.
- Today’s lecture covered the French Revolution.
- The store lists today’s discounts on the front window.
- Today’s practice session ran longer than expected.
- I saved today’s receipt for the return.
- Today’s episode was the best one yet.
- The chef prepared today’s soup with fresh herbs.
Practice Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank
Choose todays or today’s for each sentence.
- ______ meeting has been moved to two o’clock. (Answer: Today’s)
- I already finished ______ assignment. (Answer: today’s)
- ______ forecast looks cloudy all afternoon. (Answer: Today’s)
Practice Exercise 2: Fix the Sentence
Rewrite each sentence correctly.
- Todays lunch menu looks great. (Answer: Today’s lunch menu looks great.)
- I already read todays newspaper. (Answer: I already read today’s newspaper.)
- Todays game starts at seven. (Answer: Today’s game starts at seven.)
A Deeper Look at the Grammar Rule
Why Does the Apostrophe Matter So Much?
Apostrophes signal ownership or a close relationship between two words. Without one, today simply looks like it’s trying to be a plural, which doesn’t make sense for a single day.
Compare the Patterns
| Incorrect | Correct |
| todays weather | today’s weather |
| todays meeting | today’s meeting |
| todays news | today’s news |
This pattern threads through a large portion of English grammar, not just time words.
Todays or Today’s in Formal Writing
Formal writing leaves almost no room for guessing on this point.
Business Writing
- Today’s earnings call starts at nine.
Academic Writing
- Today’s reading assignment covers chapter five.
Journalism
- Today’s front page features the local elections.
Using todays in any formal document tends to look careless and unpolished.
Words Related to “Today”
| Word | Meaning |
| Yesterday’s | Belonging to the previous day |
| Tomorrow’s | Belonging to the next day |
| Tonight’s | Belonging to this evening |
| Nowadays | Referring to the present time in general |
These related words all circle back to one central idea: marking a specific point in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “todays” a real word?
No. It’s not accepted in standard English grammar. The correct spelling is always today’s.
Why is “today’s” correct instead of “todays”?
Because it shows possession, and possessive singular nouns need an apostrophe plus s.
What’s the rule for today and today’s?
Use today when simply referring to the current day. Use today’s when something belongs to today.
Is “today’s” used in British English?
Yes. It’s correct across British and American English alike.
Does “today” ever need an apostrophe on its own?
No. Only add the apostrophe when showing possession, as in “today’s weather.”
Why do people mix up “todays” and “today’s”?
Most assume it works like a regular plural, but time words like today follow the possessive rule instead.
Can I use “todays” in casual writing?
No. Today’s remains correct in both casual and formal English.
Final Thoughts
The debate over todays or today’s really comes down to a single, dependable rule. Today’s is always correct when something belongs to today, while todays skips a small but essential apostrophe.
That same rule also governs everyday words like yesterday’s, tomorrow’s, and tonight’s. So mastering it once doesn’t just fix one word. It clears up an entire category of common apostrophe mistakes, and that makes the small effort well worth it.
Whether you’re writing a quick text, a news headline, or a professional email, this tiny habit adds up over time. Correct spelling makes your writing look sharper, more careful, and more trustworthy.
Remember the shortcut: if it belongs to today, add an apostrophe plus s. Practice it a few times, and it will start feeling completely automatic.
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