In writing, even the smallest punctuation marks can lead to confusion, especially when it comes to apostrophes. One particular question that often arises is whether the apostrophe goes before the year, especially when referring to decades, abbreviations of years, or possessive phrases. This topic may seem minor, but understanding how and when to use an apostrophe before a year is essential for clear, grammatically correct communication in both formal and informal contexts.
Understanding the Purpose of the Apostrophe
What Is an Apostrophe Used For?
An apostrophe has two primary functions in English grammar
- To show possession (e.g., the company’s profits)
- To indicate the omission of letters or numbers (e.g., don’t for do not or ’90s for 1990s)
When dealing with years, the apostrophe is generally used to represent omitted digits or to indicate possession, depending on the sentence structure and meaning.
Using the Apostrophe When Omitting the Century
Apostrophe Before Abbreviated Years
When you shorten a year by removing the first two digits, you must use an apostrophe to show that something has been omitted. The apostrophe goes before the year.
- Correct The class of ’99 had a memorable graduation.
- Correct I was born in ’85, during a time of great change.
- Incorrect The class of ’99 (without the apostrophe) or 99′
In these examples, the apostrophe is replacing the 19 in 1999 or 1985. It’s similar to how contractions work in English (e.g., can’t = cannot).
How It Looks in Different Decades
- ’60s = 1960s
- ’70s = 1970s
- ’80s = 1980s
- ’90s = 1990s
- ’00s = 2000s
This usage is very common in casual writing, pop culture references, and historical context. For example The music of the ’80s remains iconic.
Capitalization and Apostrophe Placement
When Referring to Decades in Writing
There is often confusion about whether to capitalize the letter that comes after the apostrophe or whether to add an s. When referring to decades, the structure typically follows this pattern
- Correct She loves the styles of the ’60s.
- Correct The ’90s were a great time for TV shows.
- Incorrect The 60’s or the 60’s’ (double apostrophes or misplaced apostrophes)
Note that the plural s after the year does not require an apostrophe. Apostrophes are not used to make plurals. So ’90s is correct, but ’90’s is not, unless it’s possessive.
Possessive Use of Apostrophes with Years
Making a Year Possessive
Sometimes, a year or decade needs to possess something. In these cases, an apostrophe followed by s is used to show ownership or association.
- 1999’s best-selling album was a surprise hit.
- The 1920s’ fashion trends were revolutionary.
- 1985’s economic policies affected future growth.
Notice that when the year or decade is acting as a possessive noun, the apostrophe is placed accordingly
- Single year add apostrophe + s (e.g., 1987’s events)
- Decade as plural place apostrophe after the s (e.g., the 1990s’ music scene)
Avoiding Confusion with Contractions
Be careful not to confuse possessive apostrophes with contractions or abbreviations. For example
- Correct The ’80s’ influence on fashion is undeniable. (Abbreviated decade + possessive)
- Incorrect The 80s influence (wrong direction of apostrophe or missing possessive form)
Use a right-facing apostrophe (or single closing quotation mark) when abbreviating a year. Many times, especially when typing, the apostrophe may incorrectly face the wrong way. Be sure it’s curving to the right if using a smart quote format.
Style Guide Recommendations
Different Approaches to Apostrophes Before Years
Depending on the style guide you’re following APA, Chicago Manual of Style, AP Stylebook recommendations may vary slightly, but the rules regarding apostrophes before years are generally consistent.
- APA StyleUse apostrophes for omitted digits but avoid using them to make years plural.
- Chicago StyleFavors clarity and discourages using an apostrophe when forming the plural of decades (write 1980s not 1980’s).
- AP StyleAccepts abbreviated years with apostrophes before them (e.g., ’90s), and no apostrophe for plurals of decades.
So while the placement of the apostrophe before the year is standard for omissions, pluralization should remain apostrophe-free unless possessive meaning is intended.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- MistakeUsing an apostrophe to make a decade plural (e.g., 1980’s)
- CorrectUse 1980s unless you mean something belonging to that decade (e.g., 1980s’ trends).
- MistakePlacing the apostrophe after the year in an abbreviation (e.g., 90’s)
- CorrectThe apostrophe goes before the year when it replaces the century (e.g., ’90s).
- MistakeUsing the wrong type of apostrophe (e.g., opening quote instead of closing quote)
- CorrectEnsure the apostrophe curves to the right in smart formatting or use a straight apostrophe (‘) in plain text.
Understanding whether the apostrophe goes before the year depends on context. If you’re abbreviating a year by omitting the century digits, the apostrophe always comes before the year. For example, write ’85 for 1985. If you’re showing possession, add an apostrophe + s or just an apostrophe after the plural s, depending on whether you’re referring to a single year or a decade. And if you’re simply talking about a decade in general terms, leave the apostrophe out altogether and just add s (e.g., 1970s). By applying these simple rules, your writing will become clearer, more professional, and grammatically sound.