in those days / these days

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Feathers

#248594 Tue, 25 Jul 06 05:33 AM

In those days, a book was worth its weight in silver, if not in gold.
(This is a sentence from some grammarbook.)

When I started a new sentence with "In these days~," by analogy, I was told that I should say "These days~," without "In."

I wonder why. I'd like to know if there's some explanation.

Thank you, in advance, for any comment.

Feathers

Joined on Thu, Jul 6 2006

Full Member (226)

Analogies

CalifJim

#248611 Tue, 25 Jul 06 06:05 AM

Unfortunately, there is no symmetry in these expressions. There is no explanation except that native speakers tend to say these expressions using these words. Sad [:(]

(The same is true of many expressions in many of the world's languages. You are sure to find many more such inconsistencies as you continue your studies!)

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (16,549)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

Expressions

Feathers

#248622 Tue, 25 Jul 06 06:27 AM

H'mm...!

Thank you, CJ, for your reply, now I can stop wondering, and I feel much better.

Smile [:)]

Feathers

Goodman

#248813 Tue, 25 Jul 06 07:13 PM

Feather,

These days is nearly the same as nowadays but it's not used with "in". This phrase is used in the present situation and can be put at the end or the beginning of a sentence. E.g. Kids are really spoiled these days compared to the time I was growing up. In those days, we had practically nothing in the way of toys and luxury. Nowadays, parents give their children Gameboy for birthday presents.

Hope that helps...

Goodman

Joined on Mon, Nov 7 2005

Calif. USA

Senior Member (3,090)

The name says it all!

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