1980’s vs. 1980s – Which is Correct?

The choice between 1980s and 1980’s depends on the intended grammatical function. 1980s (without an apostrophe) is the correct form when referring to the decade as a plural noun (e.g., “the events of the 1980s”). 1980’s (with an apostrophe) is correct when indicating possession or a contraction, though its use for pluralizing decades is generally considered incorrect by most style guides.

1980’s or 1980s – Which is Correct?

The distinction between “1980s” and “1980’s” hinges on whether you intend to express a plural or a possessive. “1980s” is the standard and widely accepted form for referring to the decade as a collective plural noun, signifying the years from 1980 to 1989. For example, “The 1980s were a time of great change.” In contrast, “1980’s” is used to show possession, meaning “belonging to the 1980s” (e.g., “the 1980’s fashion trends”). A common error is to use the apostrophe ‘s’ to form the plural of a decade; however, this is incorrect. To remember the difference, think of “1980s” as simply “many 1980 years” and “1980’s” as “belonging to the 1980 decade.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
1980s	Noun (plural)	The decade from 1980 to 1989	Many important events occurred in the 1980s.
1980’s	Noun (possessive)	Belonging to or characteristic of the 1980s	The 1980’s music scene was iconic.

How to Use 1980’s

The form “1980’s” is correctly used to indicate possession or a characteristic belonging to the decade of the 1980s. It functions like any other possessive noun, where the apostrophe signifies ownership or a close association. It is crucial to remember that this form is not used for simply pluralizing the decade. Using “1980’s” for a plural is a common grammatical error, often seen in informal writing, but should be avoided in formal contexts. The tone is generally neutral, but misuse can detract from professional credibility.

Example 1: The 1980’s economic policies had a lasting impact.

Example 2: Everyone remembers the vibrant colors of the 1980’s fashion.

Example 3: Critics often debate the legacy of the 1980’s cinema.

What are the different forms of 1980’s?

The primary form of “1980’s” is its possessive usage. It does not have other grammatical forms like verb tenses or singular/plural variations in the way a common noun might. The number “1980” is a cardinal number, and the ‘s after the apostrophe specifically denotes possession. For instance, you wouldn’t say “1980’ses” or “1980’d.” Its role is strictly to indicate that something belongs to the decade.

Etymology of the word 1980’s

The term “1980’s” is a construction derived from the cardinal number “1980” combined with the possessive apostrophe and ‘s’. The practice of using ‘s to denote possession has roots in Old English genitive case endings. While the number “1980” refers to a specific year, “1980’s” as a possessive applies the standard English rule for forming the possessive of a singular noun (even if the concept of a decade is a collection of years) or a number by adding an apostrophe and ‘s’.

How to Use 1980s

The term “1980s” is the correct and standard way to refer to the decade spanning from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1989, as a plural noun. It indicates all the years within that ten-year period. This form is widely accepted across all major style guides (e.g., AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style) for academic, journalistic, and general writing. It is used when you are talking about events, trends, or characteristics of the decade itself, without implying possession. The tone is neutral and factual.

Example 1: Technology advanced rapidly in the 1980s.

Example 2: Many iconic bands emerged during the 1980s.

Example 3: The economic boom of the 1980s changed many industries.

What are the different forms of 1980s?

The primary form of “1980s” is its use as a plural noun referring to the decade. Unlike common nouns, it doesn’t typically have singular or verb forms. The “s” added directly to “1980” serves as the plural marker for the number, indicating a range or collection of years. While “1980” is the singular year, “1980s” is the plural decade. There are no other standard variations or conjugations for this term.

Etymology of the word 1980s

The term “1980s” comes from the cardinal number “1980” and the suffix “-s” used to form plurals. The practice of pluralizing numbers and abbreviations by simply adding an “-s” (without an apostrophe) became more prevalent in the 20th century. This convention avoids confusion with possessive forms and aligns with the general rule for pluralizing most English nouns. The decade itself is a concept of a ten-year period, and adding “-s” efficiently conveys this plural sense.

Related Concepts

Understanding the proper use of “1980s” versus “1980’s” is rooted in the fundamental English grammar rules for plurals and possessives, especially concerning numbers, abbreviations, and letters. Generally, to form the plural of a number, a decade, or an abbreviation, you simply add an “s” without an apostrophe (e.g., DVDs, CDs, 1990s, 747s). An apostrophe followed by an “s” (‘s) is almost exclusively reserved for indicating possession (e.g., “the cat’s toy,” “the company’s profits”) or for contractions (e.g., “it’s” for “it is”). The common mistake of using “1980’s” for a plural decade arises from a misunderstanding of this distinction, often due to the visual similarity with possessive forms.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “Back to the Future Part II” (1989): The movie famously depicts Marty McFly traveling to the future, but the original setting and many cultural references are firmly rooted in the 1980s.
• “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline (2011): The novel is steeped in nostalgia for the 1980s’ pop culture, with countless references to arcade games, movies, and music from the era.
• “Stranger Things” (Netflix series, 2016-present): The entire aesthetic, soundtrack, and storyline are meticulously crafted to evoke the atmosphere of the American Midwest in the mid-1980s.
• “The Wedding Singer” (1998): This romantic comedy is set in the 1980s, showcasing the decade’s unique fashion, music, and cultural quirks.
• News headline: “Analysts are still studying the impact of the 1980’s financial deregulation.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The fashion trends of the ______ were characterized by bold colors and big hair.
2. Many classic video games were released in the ______.
3. The ______ music scene saw the rise of synth-pop and new wave.
4. Historians often debate the political climate of the ______.
5. The ______ impact on technology is still felt today.

Answer Key

1. 1980’s (possessive)
2. 1980s (plural)
3. 1980’s (possessive)
4. 1980s (plural)
5. 1980’s (possessive)

1980s Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Eighties	A common informal term for the decade of the 1980s.
The Reagan Era	Refers to the decade primarily through the lens of Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981-1989).
The Decade of Excess	A descriptive phrase highlighting certain cultural and economic characteristics of the 1980s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “80’s” an acceptable abbreviation for the 1980s?
While commonly used in informal contexts, “80s” (without an apostrophe) is the grammatically correct plural abbreviation for the decade. “80’s” would imply possession (e.g., “the ’80s’ greatest hits”) or a contraction, similar to “1980’s.”

Question 2: Why do people often use “1980’s” when they mean “1980s”?
This is a common hypercorrection or misunderstanding of apostrophe rules. Many people mistakenly believe that an apostrophe ‘s’ is always used to form plurals of numbers, letters, or abbreviations, when in fact, it’s typically reserved for possessives or contractions.

Question 3: Does “1980’s” ever refer to a single year?
No, “1980’s” specifically refers to something belonging to the entire decade of the 1980s, not just the year 1980. To refer to something belonging to the year 1980, you would say “1980’s” (e.g., “1980’s census data”). However, the context of the keyword “1980’s or 1980s” focuses on the decade.

Conclusion

In summary, mastering the use of “1980s” versus “1980’s” comes down to understanding the fundamental difference between plurals and possessives. Use 1980s (without an apostrophe) when referring to the decade as a plural noun, encompassing the years from 1980 to 1989. Reserve 1980’s (with an apostrophe) solely for possessive cases, indicating something that belongs to or is characteristic of the 1980s. Recognizing this distinction is key to clear, grammatically correct writing. Pro Tip: Adhering to standard grammatical conventions, especially concerning common terms like decades, enhances your credibility and ensures your message is understood precisely.