Where Do You Put the Apostrophe in a Year?
The correct placement of an apostrophe in a year can often be a source of confusion for many. Should it be before the year, after the year, or both? Understanding the rules of apostrophe usage in relation to years can help clear up this confusion and ensure accurate writing. Let’s delve into the correct placement of the apostrophe in a year.
In general, the apostrophe is used to indicate possession or to show that letters have been omitted. When it comes to years, the apostrophe is used in two main scenarios: to indicate a missing number or numbers and to form a contraction.
1. Missing numbers:
When indicating missing numbers, the apostrophe is placed before the digits that are omitted. For example:
– The class of ’99 (indicating the graduating class of 1999)
– I was born in ’90 (indicating the birth year of 1990)
2. Contractions:
Apostrophes are also used to form contractions, where letters are omitted. In this case, the apostrophe is placed before the missing letters. For example:
– The party will take place in March ’21 (indicating March of the year 2021)
– They were married in May ’05 (indicating May of the year 2005)
Now, let’s address some common questions about the placement of the apostrophe in a year:
1. Should I use an apostrophe before the year to indicate the plural form?
No, an apostrophe is not used to indicate the plural form of a year. Simply add an “s” after the year to indicate multiple years.
2. Can I use an apostrophe after the year to indicate possession?
No, an apostrophe is not used after the year to indicate possession. Instead, use “of” to indicate possession. For example, “the events of 2021” or “the car of 1999.”
3. What if the year ends in a zero?
If the year ends in a zero, you can choose to include the zero or omit it. For example, both ’90 and ‘900 are acceptable for indicating the year 1990. However, ’00 is not necessary to indicate the year 2000, as the full year is commonly used.
4. Should I always use an apostrophe when referring to a specific year?
No, an apostrophe is only used when indicating missing numbers or forming contractions. If you are referring to a specific year without any omissions or contractions, there is no need for an apostrophe.
5. Can I use an apostrophe when abbreviating a decade?
No, an apostrophe is not used when abbreviating a decade. For example, it is incorrect to write “the ’80’s.” Instead, simply write “the 80s.”
6. Do I need to use an apostrophe when writing about centuries?
No, an apostrophe is not used when writing about centuries. For example, it is incorrect to write “the ’90’s.” Instead, write “the 1990s.”
7. Can I use an apostrophe when abbreviating a month?
No, an apostrophe is not used when abbreviating a month. For example, it is incorrect to write “Jan. ’21.” Instead, write “Jan. 2021.”
8. Should I use an apostrophe when indicating decades without specific years?
Yes, an apostrophe is used to indicate a missing number when referring to decades without specific years. For example, “the Roaring ’20s” or “the swinging ’60s.”
9. Is it acceptable to include an apostrophe when writing a year in all digits?
No, it is not necessary to include an apostrophe when writing a year in all digits. For example, it is incorrect to write “‘1990.” Simply write “1990.”
10. Can I use an apostrophe when indicating a range of years?
No, an apostrophe is not used when indicating a range of years. For example, write “the years 2010-2020” instead of “the years ’10-’20.”
11. How do I indicate a specific day and year together?
When indicating a specific day and year together, an apostrophe is not necessary. Simply write “July 4, 1776” or “December 25, 2021.”
12. Is there any exception to the rules mentioned above?
While the rules mentioned above generally apply to most writing styles, it’s important to follow any specific guidelines provided by a particular style guide, such as the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook or the Chicago Manual of Style.
Understanding the correct placement of the apostrophe in a year can help ensure clear and accurate writing. By following these guidelines and addressing common questions, you can confidently use apostrophes when referring to years.