Is Today An Adverb: 7 Important Facts You Should Know

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In this article, we will answer the question: is “today” an adverb?

The word “today” is most often used as an adverb. However, depending on the context in which it is used, the word “today” can also be a noun or an adjective. 

Why is today an adverb? 

An adverb is defined as any word that can be used to modify or describe a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Therefore, the word “today” is an adverb whenever it’s describing or modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb to tell us when a particular action is occurring. 

When is today an adverb?

“Today” is an adverb when it is used to modify a verb in order to tell us when or at what time a particular action is taking place. If the word “today” is not describing or modifying a verb, but is used as the subject of a sentence or to describe a noun—then it is either a noun or an adjective, but it is not an adverb. 

Here are some examples of the word “today” functioning as an adverb: 

Example 1: Aditi is participating in the football match today. 

In this example, “today” is an adverb because it modifies the verb “participating” by giving us additional details about when the action will take place.

Example 2: I am going to do tomorrow’s homework today. 

In this example, “today” is an adverb because it modifies the verb phrase “do tomorrow’s homework” by giving us additional details about when the speaker plans to do his homework. 

Example 3: I saw Jai at the basketball court earlier today. 

In this example, “today” is an adverb because it modifies the verb phrase “saw Jai” by giving us additional details about the time in which the speaker spotted Jai. 

Example 4: I have to go to the temple today. 

In this example, “today” is an adverb because it modifies the verb phrase “go to the temple” by giving us additional details about when the action is occurring.  

Example 5: Ravi is tired because he ran a marathon today. 

In this example, “today” is an adverb because it modifies the verb phrase “ran a marathon” by indicating when Ravi complete the action. 

Can today be an adjective? 

Yes, the word “today” can be an adjective when it is used to describe a noun that is modern, fashionable, or characteristic of today. However, this use is generally informal. 

Here are some examples of “today” being used as an adjective: 

Example 1: She is a today-designer and her fashion is abominable and inelegant.

In this example, “today” is an adjective because it modifies the noun “fashion” by describing it as being up-to-date and modern.  

Example 2: The dress has got a very today look, that’s probably why you don’t identify with it. 

In this example, “today” is an adjective because it modifies the noun “look” to describe it as being modern. 

Can today be a noun? 

Yes, the “word” today can be a noun when it is the subject or object of a sentence and is not being used to modify or describe another noun, adjective, verb, or adverb. This is the case when the word is used to reference the present day, time, or period. 

Example 1: Today is Mariam’s first day at her new job. 

In this case, “today” is a noun because the word is used to mean “this day.” 

Example 2: Today is a very calm, summery day. 

In this example, “today” is a noun because it used to refer to the present period of time. 

Example 3: Today is a Thursday, which means we have to carry our sports uniforms to school. 

In this example, “today” is a noun because it is used to refer to “this day.” 

Example 4: Children today are more independent and open-minded than they were a decade ago. 

In this example, “today” is a noun because it is used to refer to the present period of time. 

Example 5: Worrying about tomorrow instead of focusing on today is a waste of one’s time. 

In this example, “today” is a noun because it is used to mean “this day.” 

In conclusion, the word “today” is primarily used as an adverb or a noun—but may informally be used as an adjective when describing something modern or fashionable.