Apostrophes in time (temporal) expressions
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Apostrophes are used in time expressions such as 2 days' leave. When it is one measure of time, the apostrophe goes before the s (e.g., one day's pay). When it is more than one measure of time, it goes afterwards (e.g., two days' pay). |
Apostrophes in Time (Temporal) ExpressionsApostrophes are used in time expressions such as 3 years' insurance (also called temporal expressions). In a temporal expression, the apostrophe is positioned before the s for single units of time and after for multiple units of time.Examples:  (Thomas A. Edison) My car came with a years' free insurance. 
[correct the example](one year - apostrophe should be before the s)
 These are both correct. (newspaper clipping)  This is wrong. It should be 3 months' mobile insurance. (newspaper clipping)  This is wrong. It should be 4 years' free credit. (newspaper clipping) Applicants should have at least 3 year's
experience.
[correct the example](three years - apostrophe should be after the s) |
DO NOT USE APOSTROPHES FOR ALL TIME EXPRESSIONS – ONLY WHEN THEY COULD REPLACE THE WORD OF
The following do not have any apostrophes in them:
IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT TIME
The vast majority of these expressions are time expressions, but some relate to value and distance too:
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See also:
Using apostophes
The apostrophe error with plurals
Apostrophes replace letters
Apostrophes to show the plural of abbreviations
Apostrophes show possession