to this day

Question

Hi,Recently, I've encountered the following phrase:"To this day I'm proud of..."It is one of the phrases that can be used while recounting a past event, e.g. what I was doing when the first man landed on the moon and I saw it on TV. However there was no context available, it was only an examplary phrase and it even wasn't finished. I don't understand it at all. What can it mean? What day does "this day" refer to? Today or that day from the past?Thanks for your help

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Recently, I've encountered the following phrase:
"To this day I'm proud of..."

It is one of the phrases that can be used while recounting a past event, e.g. what I was doing when the first man landed on the moon and I saw it on TV.
However there was no context available, it was only an examplary phrase and it even wasn't finished. I don't understand it at all. What can it mean? What day does "this day" refer to? Today or that day from the past?

To this day, I remember what I was doing when the first man landed on the moon. This means I have remembered from the day man landed on the moon until this day, ie now, the day that I am speaking.

You might also like to consider the similar expression, 'From that day to this, I have remembered . . . '.
Best wishes, Clive

Anonymous · Answer

The event happened, and time passed. But this event is remembered, even after all that time.

So TODAY, when we talk about that event, we would say, "To this day, I remember . . ."

Moon7296 · Answer

Just now, I just wanted to ask about 'to this day.' I searched see if someone has already asked this.

good that I didn't ask that saparately.

I want to ask one more question about 'to this day.'

Is it synonymous to 'so far' and others similar expressions?

To this day(so far), I remember what I was doing when the first man landed

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I want to ask one more question about 'to this day.'

Is it synonymous to 'so far' and others similar expressions?

To this day(so far), I remember what I was doing when the first man landed

No.

'So far' suggests you feel you might possibly forget it.

'To this day' suggests you feel you will never forget it.

Clive

Moon7296 · Answer

Thank you Clive.

If I make other sentences, do they suggest the same? (or differ from the context or have the synonymous meanings?

e.g., I have waited for you so far/to this day.

I have practised kicking the ball so far/to this day.

I have sent the document so far/to this day.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Here are a couple of general comments about these phrases.

so far - is very commonly said, often about very minor and recent things.

eg My boss asked me this morning to make 6 phone calls. I've made two so far.

eg I started reading this book yesterday. So far, I've read 40 pages.

It suggets that the acton is not complete, that further action will ocur in the future.l

To this day - is much less commonly said. I don't remember the last tme I said it.

It is often said to add drama and emphasis to statements that relate to a long period in the psast.

eg Mary is 80. To this day, she remembers the first time her husband kissed her.

Now that I've explained this, think again about your examples below. Then revise them if you want to, and then repost and I'll comment again.

If I make other sentences, do they suggest the same? (or differ from the context or have the synonymous meanings?

e.g., I have waited for you so far/to this day.

I have practised kicking the ball so far/to this day.

I have sent the document so far/to this day.

Clive

Moon7296 · Answer

That's very clear. Thank you.

I have waited for you so far --- I waited for you until now and I may wait for you longer until you come.

I have waited for you to this date --- It seems you have not come back home for a long time; it looks like he/she is runaway.

I have practised kicking the ball so far--- I have practised it only today or recent days or possibly for a long time, and will or will not do it.

I have practised kicking the ball to this date -- it seems I have practised it very hard for ages to outplay an(the) opponent team.

^^

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I have waited for you so far --- I waited for you until now and I may wait for you longer until you come. OK

You previously asked about 'to this day'. but now you are using 'to this date'. I'm going to ssume that you meant to write 'to this day'.

I have waited for you to this date --- It seems you have not come back home for a long time; it looks like he/she is runaway. OK

I have practised kicking the ball so far--- I have practised it only today or recent days or possibly for a long time, and will or will not do it. Your interpretation is not helpful, as it covers all possibiliies. I'd say the sentence sounds like 'I will continue tp practice in the future, focusing on other skills, eg heading the ball'.

I have practised kicking the ball to this date -- it seems I have practised it very hard for ages to outplay an(the) opponent team. OK

Clive

Moon7296 · Answer

Ah.. yeah.. I meant 'to this day,' Sorry.

Your correction for '~kicking so far' is very helpful.

Now that you introduced 'to this date,' I wonder how they are different

Aren't they very similar with a little nuance difference?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

To this date' is not something I hear or read much.

It might possibly be a form mainly of business or legal jargon, eg We have not received your payment to this date.

Clive.

to this day

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