B2adverb2K

Nowadays

UK /["/ˈnaʊədeɪz/"]/US /["/ˈnaʊədeɪz/"]/

Definition

at the present time, in contrast with the past

In simple words: Today or in the present time

Examples

  • Nowadays most kids prefer going online to reading books.

Usage notes

Use 'nowadays' when talking about things that are true in the present time but may not have been true in the past. It is neutral and appropriate for both spoken and written English, but avoid using it in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

nowadays + sentence

Memory hint

Think of 'now' and 'days' — 'nowadays' means the days we live in now.

Collocations

  • nowadays people
  • nowadays technology
  • nowadays lifestyle
  • nowadays children

Synonyms

  • currently
  • presently
  • these days
  • at present

Antonyms

  • formerly
  • previously
  • in the past
  • once

Common mistakes

  • Using 'nowadays' with past tense verbs
  • Confusing 'nowadays' with 'these days'
  • Not placing 'nowadays' at the beginning or end of a sentence