Many writers get confused between Thursdays and Thursday’s, especially when adding an apostrophe seems like the right thing to do. The truth is, these two forms have completely different meanings, even though they look almost identical.
This confusion usually happens because people associate apostrophes with plurals, which is a common grammar mistake. In reality, apostrophes are used to show possession, not quantity. In this guide, you’ll learn the exact difference, when to use each form, and how to avoid errors in everyday writing.
Quick Answer
Thursdays is the plural form, meaning more than one Thursday.
Thursday’s shows possession, meaning something belongs to Thursday.
Use Thursdays for repeated days and Thursday’s for ownership or specific reference.
Definition and Meaning
Thursday is a day of the week. When you add s, it becomes plural, referring to multiple Thursdays.
Adding ’s changes the meaning to possession or association with that day.
So:
- Thursdays = more than one Thursday
- Thursday’s = something belonging to or related to one Thursday
Why People Confuse It
The confusion mainly comes from misunderstanding apostrophes. Many people mistakenly think apostrophes are used to make words plural.
Another reason is that both forms sound the same when spoken, making it harder to distinguish them in writing.
Because of this, even experienced writers sometimes mix them up.
First Word: Thursdays
Thursdays is the plural form of Thursday.
It is used when talking about recurring events or multiple Thursdays.
Examples include:
- I go to the gym on Thursdays.
- Classes are held on Thursdays.
It simply indicates more than one occurrence of the day.
Second Word: Thursday’s
Thursday’s is the possessive form.
It shows that something belongs to a specific Thursday or is associated with it.
Examples:
- Thursday’s meeting was cancelled.
- I enjoyed Thursday’s event.
It refers to something happening on or belonging to that particular day.
Grammar Rules Explained
Plural nouns are formed by adding s without an apostrophe.
Possessive nouns use ’s to show ownership or connection.
Examples:
- Thursdays are busy.
- Thursday’s schedule is full.
Always decide whether you need plural or possession before choosing the form.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Thursdays | Thursday’s |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | More than one Thursday | Belonging to one Thursday |
| Type | Plural noun | Possessive noun |
| Apostrophe | No | Yes |
| Usage | Repeated days | Ownership or specific event |
| Example | Thursdays are fun | Thursday’s class is cancelled |
When to Use Each
Use Thursdays when talking about habits, routines, or repeated events.
Use Thursday’s when referring to something specific tied to one Thursday.
Ask:
- Talking about many Thursdays? → Thursdays
- Talking about one Thursday’s event? → Thursday’s
Real Life Usage
You’ll see Thursdays used in schedules, routines, and calendars.
For example, schools may say classes are held on Thursdays.
Thursday’s appears in announcements or references to a specific day, like Thursday’s meeting or Thursday’s deadline.
Formal vs Informal Use
Both forms are used in formal and informal writing.
In formal writing, correct apostrophe use is important to maintain clarity.
In casual writing, mistakes are common but still noticeable.
Pronunciation Guide
Both words sound the same when spoken.
This makes it easy to confuse them in writing.
The difference exists only in spelling and meaning, not pronunciation.
Synonyms and Alternatives
Instead of Thursdays, you can say:
- Every Thursday
- On a weekly basis
Instead of Thursday’s, you can say:
- The event on Thursday
- The meeting scheduled for Thursday
Common Sentences
Examples:
- I work late on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s presentation went well.
- We meet every Thursdays (incorrect).
- We meet every Thursday (correct alternative).
These show how context changes usage.
Examples
Here are 10 examples:
- I attend classes on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s meeting is important.
- We go out on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s weather looks good.
- The office is closed on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s deadline is strict.
- They train on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s event was successful.
- I relax on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s plan changed suddenly.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using Thursday’s when talking about multiple days.
Another is adding an apostrophe to make a word plural, which is incorrect.
Writers also confuse possessive meaning with simple time references.
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Using apostrophes for plurals
- Forgetting apostrophes for possession
- Writing based only on sound
Always check your sentence meaning carefully.
Memory Trick
Remember:
Apostrophe means ownership.
If something belongs to Thursday, use Thursday’s.
If you mean more than one Thursday, use Thursdays.
American vs British English
There is no difference between American and British English here.
Both follow the same rules for plural and possessive forms.
Similar Words
Other similar examples:
- Mondays vs Monday’s
- Fridays vs Friday’s
- Sundays vs Sunday’s
Related Confusing Words
Common apostrophe confusions:
- Its vs It’s
- Your vs You’re
- Students vs Student’s
Learning these helps improve writing accuracy.
Expert Tips
Always read your sentence aloud and think about meaning.
Try replacing the phrase with “of Thursday” to check possession.
Practice writing both forms to build confidence.
When Does It Apply
Use these forms when writing:
- Schedules
- Plans
- Events
- Deadlines
Correct usage ensures clear communication.
Final Verdict
Thursdays is plural and refers to repeated days.
Thursday’s is possessive and refers to something related to one specific Thursday.
Understanding this difference helps you avoid one of the most common apostrophe mistakes in English.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Thursdays and Thursday’s?
Thursdays is plural, while Thursday’s shows possession.
2. Is Thursday’s ever plural?
No, it is possessive, not plural.
3. Can I use Thursdays for routines?
Yes, it is correct for repeated events.
4. What does Thursday’s mean?
It refers to something belonging to or happening on a specific Thursday.
5. Why is this confusing?
Because both forms sound the same when spoken.
6. What about Thursdays’?
That is plural possessive, meaning something belonging to multiple Thursdays.
Remember This
No apostrophe means plural.
Apostrophe plus s means ownership.
Thursdays equals many days.
Thursday’s equals something belonging to one day.
Conclusion
The difference between Thursdays and Thursday’s is simple once you understand plural versus possessive forms. Thursdays refers to multiple occurrences of the day, while Thursday’s indicates something belonging to or associated with a specific Thursday.
By remembering that apostrophes show ownership, you can avoid this common mistake. With practice, you’ll naturally choose the correct form and write more clearly and confidently in both formal and everyday situations.
Kevin Brian is a passionate author at BiblyWord, dedicated to sharing the message of the Bible through thoughtful and inspiring content. He focuses on creating clear and meaningful writings that help readers understand scripture, strengthen their faith, and find guidance in everyday life through God’s Word.
