These days refers to the present time and is commonly used in modern English. The word is pronounced /ðiːz deɪz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial sound /ð/ is voiced dental fricative, followed by the long vowel sound /iː/. The final consonant sound in "these" is /z/, and the word "days" is pronounced with a long vowel sound /eɪ/ and a voiceless alveolar stop /s/ at the end. Understanding the phonetic transcription can help non-native English speakers to learn the correct pronunciation of this phrase.
"These days" is a colloquial expression that refers to the present time or the current period. It is often used to indicate a recent shift in circumstances, attitudes, or trends, suggesting that something has changed or become more prevalent in contemporary society. The phrase recognizes that the world is in a constant state of flux, and it reflects the speaker's awareness of the specific characteristics, qualities, or events that are typical or distinguishing of the modern era.
The term "these days" is commonly employed in casual conversations, written texts, or media discussions to highlight a contrast, evolution, or progression from a previous era or set of conditions. It encompasses a wide range of contexts, such as technological advancements, social norms, cultural preferences, political developments, and even linguistic variations. For instance, one might say, "These days, people rely heavily on smartphones for communication," or "These days, it is more common for individuals to work remotely."
The phrase carries an implicit acknowledgement of the influence of time, implying that the present moment is significantly different from what it used to be. "These days" is an adaptable and flexible term that is utilized to capture the essence of contemporary living, emphasizing the current state of affairs or the prevalent attitudes and behaviors that define the present era.
The phrase "these days" is a relatively modern colloquial expression that originated in English. It is a combination of the demonstrative pronoun "these", which refers to things that are near in time or space, and the noun "days", which refers to a particular time period. The term does not have a specific historical or etymological origin, as it simply emerged as a way to refer to the present time or contemporary circumstances.