I know that in writing, folks will often say "the eighteenth century" when speaking about a particular century, but I prefer to name the century as in the subject line.

I've seen it both ways: 1700s and 1700's, 1900s and 1900's, etc...

It seems to me that there should NOT be an apostrophe before the "s".

Which is correct? And do the various authoritative sources on the subject agree?

Thanks!

Good question, but you have to refer to your basic english class actually. An apostrophe should not be used when referring to any century. Apostrophe is only used to make it possessive and in this case, how can it be?

Don't know about various authoritative sources.

Tick

RickJ,

Please see, this might help:-

Apostrophes and How to Use Them
18 Jul 2009... Apostrophes are probably the most misused punctuation marks in contemporary written English. When used correctly, they enhance language by...

Uob-community.ballarat.edu.au/~iwright/apostrophes/

Best regards.
Roland.

Good question, but you have to refer to your basic english class actually. An apostrophe should not be used when referring to any century. Apostrophe is only used to make it possessive and in this case, how can it be?

Dont know about various authoritative sources.

tick

That is what I was thinking. Naming a century is not posessive... but seeing the apostrophe used in so many instances made me wonder...

Thanks, Tickle and Rolcam!