Using Apostrophes in Time Expressions (Temporal Expressions)
The Quick Answer
Apostrophes are used in time expressions. For example:- 1 year's insurance
- 2 days' leave
- a week's pay


Apostrophes in Time Expressions (Temporal Expressions)
Apostrophes are used in time expressions (e.g., three years' experience, two days' pay, one day's time). These are also known as "temporal expressions."In a temporal expression, the apostrophe is positioned before the "s" for a single unit of time (e.g., a day) and after for plural unit of time (e.g., two days). For example:
- I never did a day's work in my life. It was all fun.
(Inventor Thomas A. Edison)
(As this is "one day," the apostrophe goes before the "s.")
- Alan was given two days' notice.
- That is the equivalent of one year's pay.
- My car came with three year's free insurance.
Imagine the Apostrophe Replaces "Of"
The following do not have any apostrophes in them:- I lived in Africa for 3 years.
- She has six months left to run on her loan.
- six months' insurance
- a day's leave
- She has six months' left to run on her loan.
- She has six months left to run on her loan.
(This is nonsense. It's wrong.)
It's Not Always about Time
The vast majority of these expressions are time expressions, but some relate to value and distance too:- 10 pounds' worth of potatoes and 1 pound's worth of onions
- a stone's throw away
Real-life Examples of Temporal Expressions
Here are some extracts from newspapers:

(These are both correct.)


(This is wrong. It should be "3 months' mobile insurance.")


(This is wrong. It should be "4 years' free credit.")
Learn about Apostrophe Placement in Temporal Expressions
Play around with this widget to learn more about apostrophe placement with temporal expressions:Possessor | Possessee |
|
Singular | Getting ready... | Getting ready... |
Plural | Getting ready... | |
Getting ready... |
Interactive Exercise
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- Did you spot a typo?