Is It 20 Or 20 For Year? Deciphering The Numeric Mystery

When abbreviating years, it’s common to use an apostrophe to replace the first two digits of the year. For example, instead of writing out the full year as 2022, you can simply write ’22, where the apostrophe represents the omitted “20.” This abbreviation technique is helpful for brevity in written and casual communication.

When it comes to using apostrophes in relation to years, it’s essential to follow the correct conventions. When indicating class years or using abbreviations where the first two numbers of the year are omitted, place an apostrophe before the year. On the other hand, for possessives involving years, use an apostrophe after the year. It’s crucial to ensure that the apostrophe points in the correct direction, which is down and to the left. For example, consider the case of the University, which was founded in the early 1900s.

When indicating graduation years for different classes, it’s essential to follow a specific format. After the individual’s name, you should employ a backward apostrophe (‘) followed by the last two digits of the graduation year. However, there are exceptions based on the graduation era:

1. Class of 2023 and Beyond: After the name, use the backward apostrophe (‘) followed by the last two digits of the year, like ’23 for 2023.

2. Graduates from the 1800s: For those who graduated in the 1800s, or from before 1920, you should write “Class of,” followed by the complete year, like “Class of 1895.”

3. Advanced Degrees: When denoting advanced degrees, place a capital ‘G’ before the apostrophe. For instance, ‘G’23 signifies a graduate from the Class of 2023 with an advanced degree.