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What does “back in the day” mean?

Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.

B2

At some time in the past, often used casually

“Back in the day, we didn't have cell phones.”

Say it smoothly: “ba-kin-thuh-day”

From the B2 lesson Back in the Day (nostalgia and change).

C1

At some earlier time in the past, often used casually to introduce a memory

“Back in the day, we didn't even have cell phones.”

Say it smoothly: “ba-kin-thuh-day”

From the C1 lesson Back in the Day (nostalgia and change).

Quick check

What does “back in the day” mean?

Teaching this phrase?“back in the day” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack

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