The 1980s. The decade of big hair, synth-pop, and neon everything. But beyond the leg warmers and iconic music videos, lies a surprisingly common point of grammatical contention: how do you actually spell “80s” when referring to the decade? Is it 80s, 80’s, or even ’80s? The answer, while seemingly simple, involves understanding the role of the apostrophe and its relationship with plurals and abbreviations. This article will delve into the nuances of spelling “80s,” exploring the grammatical rules, common misconceptions, and the stylistic preferences that shape its usage. Get ready to rewind your knowledge back to the future, and solidify your understanding of this pivotal punctuation point.
The Grammar Behind the ’80s Debate: Apostrophes and Plurals
Understanding the grammatical rules governing the use of apostrophes is crucial to correctly spelling “80s.” The apostrophe has two primary functions: indicating possession and signifying contractions. Let’s examine each in relation to the decade in question.
Possession: The Wrong Avenue for 80’s
The apostrophe used to indicate possession shows ownership. For example, “John’s car” signifies that the car belongs to John. Applying this rule to “80’s” would suggest that something belongs to the 1980s. While one could construct a sentence where the 1980s possess something (e.g., “The 80’s influence on modern music is undeniable”), this is generally not the context when referring to the decade itself. Using “80’s” to simply denote the years between 1980 and 1989 would be grammatically incorrect. This is because it incorrectly assigns a sense of ownership or possession where none is intended.
Contractions and Omitted Numbers: The Key to Correct Usage
Apostrophes are also used in contractions, where they replace missing letters. For instance, “can’t” is a contraction of “cannot,” with the apostrophe replacing the “o.” Similarly, when abbreviating the year “1980” to “’80,” the apostrophe stands in for the “19.” This is where the correct usage of the apostrophe in relation to the 80s comes into play. When referring to the abbreviated form of the year, “’80” is correct. But when referring to the entire decade, the rule changes.
The Plural Conundrum: When to Avoid the Apostrophe
The most common mistake people make is confusing the rules for forming plurals with the rules for using apostrophes. Plurals, in most cases, are formed by simply adding an “s” to the end of a word.
Decades and Pluralization: The “S” Suffices
When referring to a decade in plural form, the standard grammatical rule dictates that you simply add an “s.” Therefore, the correct spelling for the plural of the 1980s is “80s.” There is no need for an apostrophe in this case, as it is not indicating possession or a contraction. The “s” simply denotes that you are referring to multiple years within that decade, or the decade as a whole. Writing “80’s” in this context is grammatically incorrect and a common error.
Why the Confusion? Separating Plurals from Possessives
The confusion often arises from the similarity in appearance between possessive nouns ending in “s” (e.g., “the boss’s office”) and plural nouns. However, the context clearly differentiates them. When referring to the decade, there is no element of possession. The “s” is solely for pluralization. Keeping this distinction in mind is key to avoiding the apostrophe error.
Stylistic Preferences and Accepted Variations
While grammatical rules provide a clear guideline, stylistic preferences and accepted variations sometimes come into play. Let’s look at those preferences.
The Chicago Manual of Style: A Definitive Guide
Style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style are considered authorities on matters of grammar and punctuation. They typically recommend using “80s” without an apostrophe when referring to the decade. This is consistent with the general rule of forming plurals for numbers and abbreviations by simply adding an “s.”
AP Style: Simplicity and Clarity
The Associated Press (AP) style, commonly used in journalism, also advocates for “80s” without an apostrophe. AP style prioritizes clarity and conciseness, and omitting the apostrophe simplifies the spelling without sacrificing understanding.
’80s: The Abbreviated and Often-Misunderstood Form
As discussed, “’80s” is the correct way to write the plural of the abbreviated year. While technically correct in this very specific context, it is frequently misused as a substitute for “80s” when referring to the entire decade. It is important to remember that the apostrophe signifies the missing “19” in “1980,” and its usage should be limited to that specific abbreviation. If you’re referring to the decade as a whole, always prefer “80s.”
Common Misconceptions and Mistakes: Spotting the Apostrophe Errors
Even with a clear understanding of the rules, mistakes can still happen. Let’s examine some common misconceptions and how to avoid them.
The Allure of the Apostrophe: Why It’s Often Added Unnecessarily
Many people instinctively add an apostrophe before the “s” when referring to the 80s, possibly due to a general uncertainty about pluralization rules or a mistaken association with possessive nouns. This is a common error that can be easily avoided by consciously applying the rule that plurals of numbers and abbreviations are formed by adding “s” alone.
Proofreading and Context: Catching the Errors Before They Appear
Careful proofreading is essential to catch any apostrophe errors. Always read through your writing with a critical eye, paying close attention to instances where you’ve used “80s.” Consider the context: are you referring to the decade as a whole, or are you abbreviating a specific year? This will help you determine whether the apostrophe is necessary or if it’s an unnecessary addition.
The 80s in Popular Culture: Examples in Context
Looking at how the 80s are referenced in various media can also provide insights into correct usage.
Music and Film: Reflecting Common Usage
Examine song titles, movie descriptions, and other cultural references related to the 80s. You will likely find that the vast majority of professionally written materials use “80s” without an apostrophe. This reflects the standard grammatical practice and stylistic preferences discussed earlier. Consider documentaries or articles about the 80s, the decade is almost always written as “80s.”
Online Content: Navigating the Digital Landscape
While online content is often less rigorously edited than traditional publications, a quick search will still reveal that “80s” is the dominant spelling. However, be aware that informal online writing may contain errors, so always prioritize established grammatical rules and style guides.
Tips and Tricks for Remembering the Correct Spelling
Here are some easy ways to remember the correct spelling of “80s.”
- Think Plural, Not Possessive: Remember that you are simply making the decade plural, not indicating ownership. This should instantly discourage the use of an apostrophe.
- Substitute Another Decade: If you’re unsure, try substituting another decade, like the 90s. Would you write “90’s”? Probably not. The same rule applies to the 80s.
- Consult a Style Guide: When in doubt, consult a reliable style guide like the Chicago Manual of Style or AP style. These resources provide clear guidelines on grammar and punctuation.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice using “80s” correctly, the more natural it will become.
Conclusion: Mastering the Apostrophe and Embracing the 80s
The seemingly simple question of how to spell “80s” reveals a deeper understanding of apostrophe usage and pluralization rules. While the temptation to add an apostrophe may be strong, remember that “80s” is the grammatically correct and stylistically preferred spelling when referring to the decade as a whole. By understanding the underlying principles and practicing consistent usage, you can confidently navigate the apostrophe’s dance with the decade of excess and ensure your writing is both accurate and polished. So, crank up the synth-pop, put on your leg warmers, and embrace the 80s, knowing you’ve mastered the art of spelling it correctly.
Why is there sometimes an apostrophe used with “80s,” and sometimes not?
The use of an apostrophe before “80s” (e.g., ’80s) indicates a contraction, specifically, the omission of the “19” from “1980s.” Grammatically, it signifies that something is missing, similar to how “can’t” is a contraction of “cannot.” Therefore, ’80s correctly represents the shortened form of the decade, highlighting that the century digits have been removed for brevity.
Omitting the apostrophe and simply writing “80s” is also widely accepted and considered correct, especially in modern usage. It is seen as pluralizing “80,” similar to how you would pluralize other numbers or letters (e.g., “She aced all her 10s” or “Cross your Ts”). This style emphasizes the decade as a unit, rather than a shortened version of the full year, and is favored for its simplicity and readability.
Which spelling, ’80s or 80s, is considered grammatically correct?
Both spellings, ’80s and 80s, are grammatically acceptable, although they convey slightly different meanings. ’80s, with the apostrophe, is considered the more formally correct option because it explicitly indicates the omission of the “19” from “1980s.” This adheres to the traditional rule that apostrophes signify missing letters or numbers in contractions.
However, 80s, without the apostrophe, is also widely used and accepted, especially in contemporary writing. Style guides increasingly recognize its validity, treating the “s” as a simple plural marker. This usage simplifies the spelling and is less likely to be perceived as an error, particularly in less formal contexts. Ultimately, consistency is key within a given piece of writing.
Does the context matter when deciding whether to use ’80s or 80s?
Yes, the context can influence the preferred spelling. In formal writing, academic papers, or legal documents, using the apostrophe (’80s) might be more appropriate, as it aligns with stricter grammatical conventions. The apostrophe clearly signals the contraction and adheres to traditional writing standards, which prioritize precision and clarity.
In more casual contexts, such as blog posts, social media updates, or magazine articles aimed at a broader audience, 80s without the apostrophe is perfectly acceptable and often preferred. Its simplicity makes it easier to read and less likely to be questioned by readers. The choice should also align with the overall tone and style guide (if any) of the publication or platform.
Are there any style guides that explicitly recommend one spelling over the other?
Yes, many style guides address the spelling of decades and offer their recommendations. The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, a widely used guide for journalists, typically recommends omitting the apostrophe, so it favors “80s.” This promotes simplicity and avoids the potential for confusion regarding the apostrophe’s purpose.
However, other style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, might lean towards using the apostrophe (’80s) for clarity, particularly in more formal contexts. It’s always best to consult the specific style guide that applies to your writing or publication to ensure consistency and adherence to the preferred style.
What is the most common mistake people make when spelling decades?
The most common mistake is placing the apostrophe after the “s” instead of before the numbers, resulting in something like “80’s.” This usage is incorrect because the apostrophe indicates possession, which is not the intended meaning when referring to a decade. “80’s” would imply something belonging to the 80, which is nonsensical in this context.
Another frequent error is inconsistency within a single piece of writing. Choosing one style (either ’80s or 80s) and sticking with it throughout is crucial for maintaining professionalism and avoiding confusion. Switching back and forth between the two spellings makes the writing appear careless and poorly edited.
How has the preferred spelling of decades evolved over time?
Initially, the spelling with the apostrophe (’80s) was considered the more correct and conventional form, as it clearly denoted the contraction of “1980s.” This adhered to established grammatical rules and was widely taught in schools and enforced by style guides. The apostrophe served as a visual cue that the century digits were missing.
Over time, the trend has shifted towards greater acceptance of the spelling without the apostrophe (80s). This evolution reflects a broader movement towards simplification in language and a recognition that the “s” can function as a plural marker for the decade. The simpler spelling is perceived as less fussy and more aligned with contemporary writing styles.
Does the spelling of decades apply to centuries as well?
The principles governing the spelling of decades generally apply to centuries. Using an apostrophe before the numbers (e.g., ’90s for the 1990s) signals the omission of preceding digits, just as it does with decades. However, just like with decades, omitting the apostrophe (e.g., 90s) is also widely accepted and understood.
The decision whether to use an apostrophe with centuries often depends on the same factors as with decades: formality, context, and preferred style guide. In formal writing, the apostrophe might be favored for precision, while in more casual settings, omitting it provides a simpler and equally acceptable option. Consistency within a given text remains the most important consideration.