The confusion between Thursdays or Thursday’s meaning is common among English learners, students, and professional writers.
At first glance, both forms look similar, but they serve completely different grammatical purposes. One refers to a repeated day of the week, while the other shows possession.
This small punctuation difference often leads to mistakes in writing emails, assignments, and formal documents.
In this guide, you will clearly understand the difference between Thursdays and Thursday’s, when to use each form, and how to avoid common grammar errors with confidence.
Quick Answer
“Thursdays” is the correct plural form, while “Thursday’s” is possessive.
Use Thursdays when talking about repeated weekly events (e.g., I work on Thursdays). Use Thursday’s when something belongs to Thursday (e.g., Thursday’s meeting was canceled).
Both are correct, but their meanings are completely different depending on context. The apostrophe changes ownership, not plurality.
Quick Comparison Table
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursdays | Plural | Repeated days | I have classes on Thursdays |
| Thursday’s | Possessive | Belonging to Thursday | Thursday’s meeting is important |
Why People Confuse These Words
The confusion happens because English learners often mix up plural nouns and possessive apostrophe rules.
Since days of the week like Monday, Tuesday, Thursday can be both time references and event labels, the difference becomes unclear.
According to English grammar rules, the apostrophe does NOT make a word plural—it shows ownership. Many learners incorrectly assume “Thursday’s” is just a fancy spelling of “Thursdays.”
Are Both Spellings Correct?
Yes, both “Thursdays” and “Thursday’s” are correct, but they are not interchangeable. Each has a different grammatical function:
- Thursdays = plural form (repeated days)
- Thursday’s = possessive form (belonging to Thursday)
For example:
- I usually travel on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s schedule was changed.
Why Both Spellings Are Correct
Both forms follow standard rules of English grammar and are accepted in major references like the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Cambridge Dictionary. The difference is structural, not regional.
- Plural rule: no apostrophe needed
- Possessive rule: apostrophe + “s”
This rule applies to all weekday names.
American English vs British English Usage
There is no major difference between American English and British English for this rule.
| Style | Usage Preference | Example |
|---|---|---|
| American English | Thursdays / Thursday’s | AP Stylebook follows same rule |
| British English | Thursdays / Thursday’s | Oxford English Dictionary follows same rule |
Both Chicago Manual of Style and AP Stylebook agree on the same grammar rule.
Which One Should You Use?
Use depends entirely on meaning:
- Use Thursdays → for repeated actions
- Use Thursday’s → for possession or events linked to a specific Thursday
If you are unsure, ask:
👉 “Am I talking about many Thursdays or something belonging to one Thursday?”
Grammar Rule Behind the Difference
The rule is based on:
- Plural nouns: no apostrophe
- Possessive nouns: apostrophe + s
So:
- Thursday + s = Thursdays (plural)
- Thursday + ’s = Thursday’s (possessive)
This rule is consistent across all standard English grammar systems including AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style.
Real-World Usage Examples
Thursdays (Plural)
- I attend English classes on Thursdays.
- Shops close early on Thursdays.
Thursday’s (Possessive)
- Thursday’s meeting was rescheduled.
- Thursday’s weather was extremely cold.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using “Thursday’s” for plural meaning
- ❌ Writing “Thursdays’ meeting” incorrectly
- ❌ Adding apostrophe to make plural words
- ❌ Mixing time reference with possession
Remember: apostrophe = ownership, not quantity.
A Simple Memory Trick
Think like this:
- Thursdays = many Thursdays (no ownership)
- Thursday’s = something of Thursday (ownership)
👉 If you can replace it with “of Thursday,” use apostrophe.
Usage Trends
In real-world usage:
- Thursdays is more common in everyday writing in both US and UK English
- Thursday’s is less frequent but common in formal scheduling and business writing
Sources like Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster show consistent usage patterns aligned with standard grammar rules.
Related Words Readers May Also Confuse
- Tuesdays vs Tuesday’s
- Mondays vs Monday’s
- Fridays vs Friday’s
- Weeks vs Week’s
- Days vs Day’s
FAQs
1. Which is correct: Thursdays or Thursday’s?
Both are correct, but meaning differs. “Thursdays” is plural, while “Thursday’s” is possessive.
2. Can I use Thursday’s for plural?
No. “Thursday’s” always shows possession, not plurality.
3. Is Thursdays correct in formal writing?
Yes, it is fully correct in both academic and professional writing.
4. What does Thursday’s mean?
It means something belonging to Thursday, such as Thursday’s meeting or Thursday’s schedule.
5. What is the most common usage?
“Thursdays” is more commonly used in everyday English.
6. Do British and American English differ here?
No, both follow the same grammar rule.
7. Is apostrophe needed for days of the week?
Only for possession, not for plural meaning.
8. How can I remember the difference easily?
If it shows ownership, use apostrophe. If it shows repetition, don’t use it.
Conclusion
The difference between Thursdays or Thursday’s meaning is simple once you understand the rule. “Thursdays” refers to repeated days, while “Thursday’s” shows possession.
The apostrophe never creates a plural, it only shows ownership. This rule is consistent in both American and British English, supported by major style guides like Chicago Manual of Style and AP Stylebook.
If you remember one thing, let it be this: no apostrophe for plural, apostrophe for possession.
Mastering this small rule will instantly improve your writing clarity and professionalism in everyday English.
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