How to Use “This Day and Age” Correctly

Although the common saying this day and age is a technical cliche, it is incredibly popular and can be widely found in both formal and informal writing. Interestingly enough, the phrase can be commonly mixed with others, often leading to it having a confusing meaning for most English speakers. 

In short, this day and age indicates that you are referring to something occurring. Contextually, it can be used to compare present and past things.

Let’s discuss what this phrase means, how it originated, and how you can use it in your writing! 

Common Misconceptions: This Day in Age vs. This Day and Age 

As mentioned, this day and age is the correct phrase, which refers to something being discussed in the present time. With that said, the phrase is frequently used incorrectly or even adapted to form other phrases. 

One instance of this is the common nonsensical phrase, this day in age which is commonly used in place. The use of a similar phrase in place of another that results from a mishearing or misspelling is known as an eggcorn. 

Thus, this day in age is simply a misspelling of the correct phrase, this day and age, which likely arose from improper transcriptions and translations. 

Luckily, most written sources seem to understand which is the correct phrase. However, it is not uncommon to hear this day and age still being used verbally. 

How Should You Use This Day and Age? 

It can’t be stressed enough how cliche this phrase is to most audiences, especially formal audiences. Thus, you should refrain from using it frequently in your writing. In other words, this day and age is simply a longer and more redundant way to say “present time” or “current time.” 

Nevertheless, the phrase is still popular and well-understood, so throwing it in your writing occasionally can add some flair to your sentences. 

If you are using the saying for the first time in your writing, try switching it out where you would normally write “today” in your sentence. To check if you used it correctly, you should be able to interchange the two words with little or no interference. For instance: 

  • With the advent of more freelance jobs in this day and age, more people are quitting 9-to-5 jobs to become their own boss. 
  • Most studies find that serial killers are a less prominent feature of American heritage in this day and age. 
  • As a dancer, it is hard to find dancing gigs in this day and age, likely because so many people want to work in the field.
  • Our technology has advanced so much in this day and age. I mean, we were able to send a spaceman to the moon! 

How Did In This Day and Age Originate? 

This phrase can be tracked down to a document in the Genesee Farmer and Gardener’s Journal around 1832. In the journal, the phrase describes the current need (of that time) for farmers to study books and agricultural sciences. 

In later usage, tracked down to 1836, the phrase is again seen in the Carlisle Herald and General Advertiser. Again, it describes current issues of the time, specifically about slavery and ethics. 

In addition to these early text origins, the phrase was likely used frequently in speech. After the early 1900s, both the verbal and written use of the word were more commonly seen.

This usage is credited to having spread and popularized the term throughout time. It’s spoken origins explain how the eggcorn, this day in age, arose. 

In modern times, this day and age can be often used in advertising to highlight a product. 

Synonyms for This Day and Age 

You may want some more synonyms for this phrase. Some of the most common thesaurus synonyms include: 

  • Present day 
  • Modern times
  • Current times 
  • Today
  • Nowadays

Sentence Example of This Day and Age 

How could the garment trade allow such an enormous industrial accident to happen in this day and age? –The Guardian.

“The release of Ms. Bishop did not sit well with the police officers,” Chief Frazier said in a statement, “and I can assure you that this would not happen in this day and age.” -The New York Times.

 

For more common expressions, check out our common expression section here. 

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By Ryan Fisher

Ryan holds degrees from Pacific Lutheran University and specializes in proofreading, editing, and content writing with an emphasis on business communication.

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