Using Apostrophes in Time Expressions (Temporal Expressions)

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Apostrophes are used in time expressions. For example:

  • 1 year's insurance
  • 2 days' leave
  • a week's pay
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 after the s (e.g., two days' 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 single units of time and after for multiple units of time. For example:

  • I never did a day's work in my life. It was all fun. (Thomas A. Edison)
    • (As this is one day, the apostrophe goes before the s.)

  • Alan was given two days' notice.
    • (As this is two days, the apostrophe goes after the s.)

  • That is the equivalent of one year's pay.
    • (As this is one year, the apostrophe goes before the s.)

  • My car came with three year's free insurance.
    • (As this is three years, the apostrophe shouild go after 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)
 


Take the test on apostrophes in time expressions.
 
 
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:

  • I lived in Africa for 3 years.
  • She has six months left to run on her
    loan.
This point causes confusion amongst many. As a rule, you should only use an apostrophe in an expression where the word of might have been used. For example:

  • six months' insurance
    • (six months of insurance)
  • a day's leave
    • (a day of leave)
  • She has six months' left to run on her loan.
    • (She has six months of left to run on her loan.)
    (This is nonsense. It's wrong.)
  • She has six months left to run on her loan.
    • (This is correct with no apostrophe.)
 
 
IT'S NOT ALL 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
 


See also:

Using apostophes
The apostrophe error with plurals
Apostrophes replace letters
Apostrophes to show the plural of abbreviations
Apostrophes show possession


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