Are you sometimes puzzled about the correct usage of apostrophes when abbreviating years? You’re not alone! Figuring out where that tiny punctuation mark should go can be surprisingly confusing. Whether you’re abbreviating a graduation year, indicating a decade, or referencing a historical period, getting it right is essential for clear and professional writing.
In this blog post, we’ll unravel the mystery of apostrophe placement in abbreviating years. We’ll answer common questions like, “Is it 1990s or 1990’s?” and “How do you abbreviate the year 2020?” Additionally, we’ll explore the correct usage of apostrophes in abbreviations for degrees, months, and more. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding as we navigate the ins and outs of this punctuation predicament.
So, let’s dive in and clarify the proper way to use apostrophes when abbreviating years. No more confusion or second-guessing – by the end of this post, you’ll be a pro!
Which way does the apostrophe go when abbreviating a year
In English grammar, it’s not uncommon to come across abbreviations for years. They add a touch of brevity to our writing and save precious space. But there’s one tiny punctuation detail that often leaves people scratching their heads: which way should the apostrophe go when abbreviating a year?
The Apostrophe Dilemma: ’23 or 23′
Now, before we dive into the quandary of the apostrophe placement, let’s clarify something: both ’23 and 23 are technically correct. So, rest assured, you won’t be wagging your finger at the wrong option. But hey, let’s have some fun and explore the subtleties of this punctuation puzzler!
The Upside-Down Year Theory: ’23
Picture this: you’re minding your own business, enjoying a slice of pizza (or a kale smoothie if that’s your thing), and someone tells you that the apostrophe should go before the numbers. Your mind starts to wonder: why on earth would they suggest such a topsy-turvy idea?
Well, the ’23 apostrophe style does have some historical support. It harkens back to a time when printers used a limited range of characters, and an upside-down character resembling an apostrophe was commonly employed. However, the ’23 trend isn’t as popular in modern usage since we have an abundance of possibilities at our fingertips.
The Modern Minimalist Approach: 23
Now, let’s flip the table and explore the world of apostrophe-less abbreviations: 23. This minimalist approach is gaining traction in contemporary writing, and for good reason. Why add an extra character when you don’t necessarily need to?
Many reputable style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style, advocate for this straightforward technique. It’s clean, uncluttered, and looks oh-so-sleek. Plus, it saves you precious time by not forcing you to hunt for that elusive punctuation mark on your keyboard.
The Bottom Line: The Choice is Yours
So, here we are at the crossroads of apostrophe ambiguity. Which path should you choose? Well, dear reader, the answer lies in your personal preference, the style guide you follow, or the requirements of your writing context.
Remember, as long as you’re consistent throughout your writing piece, you’ll be golden. Whether you opt for the traditional ’23 approach or embrace the minimalist charm of 23, as long as you apply your chosen style consistently, your words will sparkle like diamonds in the vast expanse of the written realm.
Now that we’ve unraveled the apostrophe mystery, go forth and abbreviate those years with confidence. But be warned, once you’ve entered this world of punctuation ponderings, there’s no turning back. Happy writing!
Keywords: apostrophe, abbreviating a year, ’23, 23, minimalist approach, punctuation, writing, style guide, consistency, ambiguity.
FAQ: Which way does the apostrophe go when abbreviating a year
Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ guide on the correct use of apostrophes when abbreviating a year! We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through this quirky grammatical nuance. So, let’s dive right in and clear up any confusion you might have.
How do you write the degree year
When writing a degree year, you can simply use the last two digits of the year and add an apostrophe before them. For example, the correct format for the degree year 2023 would be ’23.
Is it 1990s or 1990’s
Actually, neither! The correct way to abbreviate the 1990s is without an apostrophe. So, it should be written as the 1990s.
How do you abbreviate the year 2020
To abbreviate the year 2020, you can use the ’20 format. Simply place an apostrophe before the last two digits of the year.
Is it 22 or 22-year abbreviation
When abbreviating a 22-year period, you would typically use the digits without an apostrophe. Just write it as 22 years, sans apostrophe.
How do you write the abbreviation for Class of 2018
To abbreviate the Class of 2018, you can use the ’18 format. Place an apostrophe before the last two digits of the year to indicate the abbreviation.
Do you put an apostrophe after a decade
No, you don’t need to use an apostrophe after a decade. Simply write the decade without any punctuation. For example, the 1990s is the correct format.
Do you use an apostrophe for months
No, apostrophes are not used to abbreviate months. Instead, you can use the first three letters of the month to create the abbreviation. For example, Jan for January, Feb for February, and so on.
Which apostrophe is correct
When abbreviating a year, the correct apostrophe to use is the straight apostrophe (‘), rather than the curly apostrophe (’). So, always go for the straight one!
How do you abbreviate a Bachelor’s degree
To abbreviate a Bachelor’s degree, you can use the abbreviation “B.A.” for Bachelor of Arts or “B.S.” for Bachelor of Science. No apostrophes needed here!
Do abbreviations have apostrophes
In most cases, abbreviations do not require apostrophes. They are created by simply shortening the word or phrase without any additional punctuation.
How do you pluralize an abbreviation
When pluralizing an abbreviation, you generally add an “s” to the end without an apostrophe. For example, if you want to indicate multiple Ph.D.s, you would write Ph.D.s, not Ph.D.’s.
Where does the apostrophe go when abbreviating “and”
When abbreviating the word “and,” you can use an ampersand (&) instead of an apostrophe. It’s a quicker way to indicate the conjunction without any specific placement rules for an apostrophe.
Does “PEGS” have an apostrophe
No, the abbreviation “PEGS” does not require an apostrophe. It stands alone as an acronym without any additional punctuation.
Where do you put the apostrophe in a graduation year
When referring to a graduation year, you can place the apostrophe before the last two digits of the year. For example, if you graduated in 2020, you would write ’20 to signify the year.
Should the apostrophe go before or after the year
The apostrophe should go before the year when abbreviating it. This placement indicates that the abbreviation refers to the complete year, not just its last two digits.
Do you use an apostrophe for a Bachelor’s degree
Yes, when writing out the full title, you should use an apostrophe for a Bachelor’s degree. So, it would be written as “Bachelor’s degree” with the apostrophe before the “s.”
Is it 1970s or 1970’s
The correct abbreviation for the decade would be 1970s, without an apostrophe. The “s” after the numbers indicates that it is a plural form.
How do you write a Bachelor’s degree in a sentence
When mentioning a Bachelor’s degree in a sentence, you would use the full title without any abbreviation. For example, “She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.”
How do you abbreviate the year 2000
To abbreviate the year 2000, you can simply use the last two digits and an apostrophe before them. So, the correct format would be ’00.
Is “Tess’s” correct
Yes, “Tess’s” is the correct way to indicate possession for the name Tess. When a name ends with an “s,” you add an apostrophe and an additional “s.”
How do you write the date with apostrophes
When writing a date, you don’t generally need to use apostrophes. Simply write the date in the accepted format, such as March 14, 2023.
Is there an apostrophe in 1900s
No, you don’t need to use an apostrophe when referring to the 1900s. Simply write it as the 1900s without any additional punctuation.
How do you write the year you graduate
When writing the year you graduated, use the last two digits of the year with an apostrophe before them. For example, if you graduated in 2016, you would write ’16 to signify the year.
And there you have it! We’ve covered some of the most common questions regarding the placement of apostrophes when abbreviating a year. If you still have any lingering doubts, feel free to ask in the comments below. Keep those apostrophes in check and happy writing!
