0
Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
Apostrophe when referring to a decade - ex. 1990s or 1990's?
Hello all,
I think the subject line says it all. I can't find an answer to this anywhere. My instinct says no apostrophe, because nothing has been removed. On the other hand, I can see that you would say the '90s. But I would love to hear some thoughts.
Thanks!
Elizabeth
I think the subject line says it all. I can't find an answer to this anywhere. My instinct says no apostrophe, because nothing has been removed. On the other hand, I can see that you would say the '90s. But I would love to hear some thoughts.
Thanks!
Elizabeth
Top answer
The 1990s The '90s NOT the 1990's and certainly not the '90's The ' in '90s stands for the 19, which as been left out. Go with your instincts, Elizabeth!
- The 1990s The '90s NOT the 1990's and certainly not the '90's The ' in '90s stands for the 19, which as been left out.
- Go with your instincts, Elizabeth!
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
The 1990s
The '90s
NOT the 1990's and certainly not the '90's
The ' in '90s stands for the 19, which as been left out.
Go with your instincts, Elizabeth!
The '90s
NOT the 1990's and certainly not the '90's
The ' in '90s stands for the 19, which as been left out.
Go with your instincts, Elizabeth!
00
I agree that the apostrophe is not needed (except where it replaces characters in the contracted form), as it's clearly a plural and not a possessive usage. HOWEVER, if people want to see an apostrophe, either because of confusion with the correctly contracted form or to visually separate the alpha and numeric components, they will use it. And if they use it, it begins to become legitimized as s
00
Related Questions