What Do These Expressions Mean? “Today” and “this day” both mean the current date, the day happening now. They tell someone that you are referring to the present 24-hour period. Children hear these words when making plans, talking about events, or answering questions. Both refer to now.
“Today” is the common, everyday word for the current day. A child says it when asking “What are we doing today?” It is short and natural.
“This day” means the same thing, but it is less common and more formal. We say “today” almost always. “This day” is used for emphasis or in poetic speech.
These expressions seem similar. Both mean “the day it is right now.” Both answer “what day is it?” But one is for everyday talk while one is for formal or poetic emphasis.
What's the Difference? One is the standard, everyday word. One is a formal or poetic phrase. “Today” is what you say to your family, friends, and teachers. It is simple and direct. Children learn it first.
“This day” is used for emphasis or in formal writing. You might see it in a speech: “On this day, we remember.” It is also used in old stories. It is not common in daily child talk.
Think of a child asking about lunch. “What's for lunch today?” is right. “What's for lunch this day?” would sound very strange. One is natural. One is odd.
One is for all conversations. The other is for special or formal moments. “Today” for homework help. “This day” for a wedding vow. Use the first for daily. Use the second for emphasis or poetry.
Also, “this day” can sound like “this very day,” which is dramatic. For children, “today” is the right choice.
When Do We Use Each One? Use “today” for everyday conversation. Use it for plans, weather, school, and meals. Use it as the standard word for the current day. It fits daily life.
Examples at home: “What are we doing today?” “Today is my birthday!” “I have a test today.”
Use “this day” very rarely. Use it for formal speeches, historical references, or poetic writing. Use it for emphasis. Children almost never need to say this phrase.
Examples for formality: “On this day, we celebrate.” (speech) “This day will be remembered.” (poetic) “This day marks a new beginning.” (formal)
Most children should just say “today.” It is clear, natural, and friendly. “This day” is good to understand for reading. But for daily conversation, “today” is best.
Example Sentences for Kids Today: “Today is my favorite day.” “I will finish my project today.” “What's for dinner today?”
This day: “On this day, we are grateful.” (formal) “This day will never be forgotten.” (poetic) “This day is special to our family.” (emphasis)
Notice “today” is normal speech. “This day” is rare and formal. Children learn both. One for life. One for literature.
Parents can use “today” every day. Save “this day” for vocabulary lessons. “On this day in history, something important happened.” Learning happens in small moments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Some children say “this day” in normal conversation. That sounds strange. Friends may not understand. Stick with “today.” Simple is better.
Wrong: “What did you do this day?” Right: “What did you do today?”
Another mistake: using “today” for a day in the past or future. “Today” means now. For yesterday, say “yesterday.” For tomorrow, say “tomorrow.” Be accurate.
Wrong: “We went to the park today.” (when it was yesterday) Right: “We went to the park yesterday.”
Some learners think “this day” is more polite. It is not. It is just unusual. Politeness is in your tone, not your word choice.
Also avoid saying “today” when you mean “these days.” “Today, kids use tablets” is different from “kids these days use tablets.” Be precise.
Easy Memory Tips Think of “today” as a calendar page turned to the current date. Normal. Everyday.
Think of “this day” as a red circle around a date in a history book. Special. Formal. Poetic.
Another trick: remember the use. “Today” = daily. “This day” = formal or poetic. Daily gets “today.” Formal gets “this day.”
Parents can say: “Today for a play. This day for a holiday.”
Practice at home. Normal question: “today.” Reading a history book: “on this day.”
Quick Practice Time Let us try a small exercise. Choose the better phrase for each situation.
A child asks what they are having for lunch right now. a) “What's for lunch this day?” b) “What's for lunch today?”
A museum plaque describes a famous event on the current date in history. a) “Today, this happened.” b) “On this day, this happened.”
Answers: 1 – b. A normal lunch question fits the everyday “today.” 2 – b. A formal, historical sign fits the formal “on this day.”
Fill in the blank: “When I talk about my plans for the next few hours, I say ______.” (“Today” is the natural, everyday, standard choice.)
One more: “When a president gives a speech about a historic event, they say ______.” (“On this day” fits the formal, emphatic, ceremonial language.)
Every day is a gift. “Today” is for living. “This day” is for remembering. Teach your child both. A child who learns both can live now and honor history.