Does The ' Go Before Or After The Year

Does the ' go Before or After the Year? A Comprehensive Guide to Apostrophe Usage in Dates

The seemingly simple question of whether an apostrophe goes before or after the year in a date has sparked countless debates among grammar enthusiasts and confused writers alike. The truth is, there's no single, universally accepted answer. The correct placement depends heavily on the context and the intended meaning. This comprehensive guide will dissect the intricacies of apostrophe usage in dates, providing clear examples and rules to help you confidently navigate this grammatical minefield.

Understanding the Role of the Apostrophe

Before delving into the specifics of dates, let's establish a fundamental understanding of the apostrophe's function. The apostrophe primarily serves two purposes:

• Possession: To indicate ownership or belonging (e.g., "John's car," "the cat's toy").
• Contraction: To represent omitted letters in a contraction (e.g., "can't" for "cannot," "it's" for "it is").

Neither of these primary functions directly applies to expressing years. The confusion arises from the attempt to apply possessive-style apostrophes to represent a period of time, which is grammatically incorrect.

When to Use Apostrophes with Years (and When Not To)

The most common instances where people incorrectly attempt to use apostrophes with years involve expressing decades or ranges of years. Let's examine these scenarios:

Decades: The '90s vs. 1990s

This is perhaps the most prevalent source of confusion. Using an apostrophe before the '90s is a widely accepted informal convention. It's a common stylistic choice, but grammatically incorrect. The correct way to write the 1990s is 1990s. The apostrophe implies possession ("the 90's belongings"), which is nonsensical in this context.

While "the '90s" is frequently seen in informal writing, publications aiming for formal accuracy should opt for 1990s. The use of "the '90s" reflects a colloquialism that is not necessarily grammatically sound.

Consider these examples:

• Correct: The 1990s were a decade of significant technological advancements.
• Incorrect (but common): The '90s saw the rise of the internet. (While widely used, it’s technically incorrect.)

Ranges of Years: The 1900s-1920s

When referring to a span of years, avoid using apostrophes. The proper way to represent a range is to write the years out completely with hyphens: 1900s-1920s. Apostrophes are neither needed nor grammatically correct in this scenario.

Incorrect Examples:

• 'The '1900s-'20s were a period of great change.'
• 'The '1900's - '1920's saw significant social unrest.'

Correct Example:

• The 1900s-1920s were a period of great change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some frequent errors to watch out for:

• The '70s music: Correctly written as 1970s music.
• The '60s and '70s: Correctly written as the 1960s and 1970s.
• It was built in the '80's: Correctly written as It was built in the 1980s.

These examples all demonstrate an attempt to shorten the year by using an apostrophe, which is grammatically flawed.

When Apostrophes Might Be Used (With Extreme Caution)

There are very limited scenarios where an apostrophe might be considered, but only under specific circumstances and with a clear understanding of the underlying principles.

One potential (but still debated) use is when you're referencing a specific decade's attributes in a possessive sense, although this is highly stylistic and should be approached with caution. Even then, it’s often better to rephrase for clarity.

For example:

• "The 1960s' vibrant cultural scene influenced generations." (Potentially acceptable, but "The vibrant cultural scene of the 1960s influenced generations." is cleaner and clearer)

This exception relies heavily on the context and should only be used sparingly, if at all, in formal writing.

Alternatives to Using Apostrophes with Years

The most straightforward approach is to always write out the complete year or decade without using apostrophes. This approach avoids any ambiguity and ensures grammatical correctness.

For example:

Instead of: "I loved the '80s fashion." Use: "I loved the 1980s fashion."

Instead of: "The car is from the '90s." Use: "The car is from the 1990s."

Conclusion: Clarity Trumps Style

While colloquial usage might favor the inclusion of apostrophes with years, formal and grammatically correct writing consistently avoids them. The primary reason is that apostrophes inherently indicate possession or contraction, neither of which applies when simply referencing a period of time. Using apostrophes with years is grammatically incorrect and can be perceived as unprofessional.

Prioritizing clarity and grammatical accuracy over stylistic shortcuts ensures effective communication and a professional image. Therefore, unless you're intentionally using a stylistic choice in a very informal context, avoid using apostrophes with years. Always opt for the clear and grammatically correct approach of writing out the complete year or decade.

The use of the apostrophe in dates might seem insignificant, but paying attention to these subtle details elevates your writing and demonstrates a commitment to accuracy and professionalism. By following the guidelines provided in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently navigate the tricky world of apostrophes in dates and present your writing in a grammatically sound and professional manner.