Hello there! As a language expert with a keen eye for grammar, I'm here to help clarify the nuances of English usage. Your question touches on a common point of confusion regarding the use of possessive forms in English, specifically when it comes to the word "year."

When deciding between "this years" and "this year's," it's important to consider the context in which the word "year" is being used. The presence or absence of an apostrophe can change the meaning of the phrase significantly.

Step 1: English Explanation

In English, an apostrophe is used to indicate possession or to show that something belongs to someone or something else. When we talk about something that belongs to a year, we use the possessive form. Therefore, when referring to the experiences or events that are associated with a particular year or years, we use an apostrophe after the "s."

For example, if we are talking about the collective experiences gained over a period of 15 years, we would say "this years' experience" because the experience belongs to those years. The apostrophe after the "s" in "years" shows that the experience is a possession of the years mentioned.

On the other hand, if we are referring to the experience within a single year, we would use "this year's experience." Here, the apostrophe comes before the "s" because we are talking about the experience of one specific year, and it is in the possessive form.

It's also worth noting that "this year" is a time expression and does not take an apostrophe. For instance, you would say "This year has been challenging," without an apostrophe because "year" is not possessive in this context.

Step 2: Divider

read more >>

An apostrophe is needed after --s-- because --years-- is possessive. Experience was acquired within those 15 years; it is the experience of those years. Following, if there is only a single year's experience referenced, then the apostrophe should go before the --s--.read more >>