Many people search for “weeks or week’s” because apostrophes are confusing. You may be writing an email, an exam answer, a blog post, or a message and suddenly stop. Should it be weeks or week’s? Both look right, but they do very different jobs.
The confusion comes from one small mark: the apostrophe. In English, apostrophes show ownership, not plurals. But many learners use them to make words plural by mistake. This happens a lot with time words like day, week, month, and year. Auto-correct and fast typing make the problem worse.
This article clears that confusion in the simplest way possible. You will get a quick answer, easy rules, clear examples, and real-life usage. By the end, you will know exactly when to use weeks and when week’s is correct. No grammar stress. No guessing.
Weeks or Week’s – Quick Answer
- Weeks → plural (more than one week)
- Week’s → singular possessive (something belongs to one week)
Examples:
- ✅ I will be away for two weeks.
- ✅ This week’s meeting is cancelled.
The Origin of Weeks or Week’s
The word week comes from Old English wice, meaning a cycle of days. To make it plural, English adds -s, giving weeks.
The apostrophe (’s) comes from Old English ownership forms. Over time, it became the standard way to show possession. This is why week’s means “of the week” or “belonging to the week.”
The confusion exists because apostrophes look small but change meaning completely.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English.
Both follow the same rules.
Comparison Table
| Form | British English | American English |
| Plural | weeks | weeks |
| Possessive | week’s | week’s |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Choose based on meaning, not region.
- Use weeks when you mean number of weeks
- Use week’s when something belongs to one week
This rule works for:
- US writing
- UK/Commonwealth writing
- Global English
Common Mistakes with Weeks or Week’s
- ❌ I worked here for three week’s
✅ I worked here for three weeks - ❌ Next weeks schedule is ready
✅ Next week’s schedule is ready
Tip:
If you can say “of the week,” use week’s.
Weeks or Week’s in Everyday Examples
Emails
- ✅ The report is due in two weeks.
News
- ✅ This week’s headlines focus on inflation.
Social Media
- ✅ Gym results after six weeks!
Formal Writing
- ✅ The committee reviewed last week’s decision.
Weeks or Week’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show:
- “Weeks or week’s” is common among students and ESL learners.
- Apostrophe mistakes appear more in informal writing.
- Grammar-related searches are high in exam-focused countries.
Most published content correctly uses weeks for plural and week’s for possession.
Comparison Table: Keyword Variations
| Form | Meaning | Correct? |
| weeks | plural | ✔ Yes |
| week’s | singular possessive | ✔ Yes |
| weeks’ | plural possessive | ✔ Yes |
| week | singular | ✔ Yes |
FAQs: Weeks or Week’s
1. Is “weeks” ever possessive?
No.
2. Is “week’s” plural?
No. It refers to one week.
3. What does “weeks’” mean?
Belonging to many weeks.
4. Which is correct: two week’s time?
❌ Wrong.
✅ Two weeks’ time.
5. Is this mistake common?
Yes, very common.
6. Do exams penalize this error?
Yes, often.
7. Does autocorrect fix it?
Not always.
Conclusion
The difference between weeks or week’s is simple once you know the rule. Weeks is plural. It means more than one week. Week’s shows ownership. It means something belongs to one week. The apostrophe does not make words plural. It shows possession.
Most mistakes happen because writers rush or forget this basic rule. If you slow down and ask one question—Is this about number or ownership?—the answer becomes clear.
This rule works in all types of English. It works in exams, emails, news writing, and everyday messages. Mastering this small detail improves clarity and shows strong writing skills. Once you understand it, you will never confuse weeks and week’s again.
Read More:
Emphasizes or Emphasises: Which Spelling Is Correct?
Choosen or Chosen: Which One Is Correct?
James L. Morrison is a content writer focused on English grammar, word meanings, and usage differences. He enjoys breaking down complex language rules into simple explanations. His work is designed to help readers quickly understand the correct word choice in everyday writing and professional communication.
