"back in the day" vs "back in the days"

Question

"back in the day" vs "back in the days"

Both 'back in the day' and 'back in the days' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Back in the day' is a common idiomatic expression used to refer to a time in the past, while 'back in the days' is less common and usually used in a more informal or colloquial way.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is an idiomatic expression used to refer to a time in the past, usually with a sense of nostalgia or reminiscence.

Examples:

Back in the day, we used to play outside until dark.
Back in the day, things were simpler and less complicated.
I remember back in the day when we all used to hang out together.
Back in the day, that restaurant was the place to be.
Back in the day, we didn't have smartphones.

Alternatives:

in the past
in the old days
in earlier times
in former times
in bygone days

This phrase is also used to refer to a time in the past, but it is more informal or colloquial compared to 'back in the day'.

Examples:

Back in the days when we were young, we had so much energy.
Back in the days of disco, people used to wear bell-bottoms.
I miss back in the days when life was simpler.
Back in the days, we didn't have all this technology.
Back in the days, we used to hang out at the park every weekend.

Alternatives:

in the old days
in earlier times
in former times
in bygone days
in the past

Answer 1

back in the day

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

back in the days

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"back in the day" vs "back in the days"

back in the day

back in the days

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