Many English learners get confused between Thursdays and Thursday’s. The two words look almost the same, and the only difference is the apostrophe (’). Because of this small punctuation mark, people often use the wrong form in writing.
However, these two forms have different meanings and grammar uses. One is a plural form, and the other shows possession or contraction.
Once you understand how the apostrophe works, the difference becomes very easy to remember.
Quick Answer
- Thursdays → More than one Thursday (plural)
- Thursday’s → Something belonging to Thursday or short form of “Thursday is”
Examples:
- I go to the gym on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s meeting has been postponed.
Simple Background Explanation
Thursday is one of the seven days of the week.
In English, we often change words in two ways:
- To show plural (more than one) we usually add –s.
- To show possession we add ’s.
That is why we get:
- Thursday → Thursdays (more than one Thursday)
- Thursday → Thursday’s (something belonging to Thursday)
This small punctuation mark changes the meaning of the word.
Clear Explanation of the Difference
The difference between Thursdays and Thursday’s depends on plural vs possession.
Thursdays
Thursdays means many Thursdays or a repeated day.
Examples:
I have a class on Thursdays.
The shop closes early on Thursdays.
Here we are talking about the day that repeats every week.
Thursday’s
Thursday’s shows possession or sometimes a contraction.
Examples:
Thursday’s meeting will be important.
Thursday’s weather looks sunny.
In these examples, the meeting or weather belongs to Thursday.
It can also be short for Thursday is.
Example:
Thursday’s going to be busy.
(Thursday is going to be busy.)
Comparison Table
| Feature | Thursdays | Thursday’s |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | More than one Thursday | Something belonging to Thursday |
| Grammar type | Plural noun | Possessive noun or contraction |
| Apostrophe used | No | Yes |
| Example | I work on Thursdays. | Thursday’s meeting is cancelled. |
Which One Should You Use and When?
Use Thursdays when talking about repeated weekly events.
Examples:
I play football on Thursdays.
We have English class on Thursdays.
Use Thursday’s when talking about something related to a specific Thursday.
Examples:
Thursday’s presentation was excellent.
Thursday’s schedule is very busy.
Common Mistakes People Make
1. Using an apostrophe for plural days
Incorrect:
I go swimming on Thursday’s.
Correct:
I go swimming on Thursdays.
Plural words do not need an apostrophe.
2. Forgetting the apostrophe for possession
Incorrect:
Thursdays meeting is important.
Correct:
Thursday’s meeting is important.
The apostrophe shows that the meeting belongs to that Thursday.
3. Mixing the two meanings
Sometimes learners confuse repeated days with possession.
Remember:
- Repeated weekly day → Thursdays
- Something related to a specific Thursday → Thursday’s
Everyday Real-Life Examples
Here are common situations where these words are used.
At work
Our team meets on Thursdays.
In schedules
Thursday’s meeting will start at 10 AM.
At school
We have math classes on Thursdays.
In emails
Please review Thursday’s report before the meeting.
In conversations
I usually visit my parents on Thursdays.
Learning Section for Students and Beginners
Here are easy tricks to remember the difference.
Trick 1: Look for the Apostrophe
- No apostrophe → plural day
- Apostrophe → possession
Example:
Thursdays → many Thursdays
Thursday’s → something belonging to Thursday
Trick 2: Ask a Question
If the sentence answers “which day’s?”, use Thursday’s.
Example:
Which day’s meeting?
Thursday’s meeting
Trick 3: Think About Weekly Routines
Weekly activities usually use Thursdays.
Example:
I study English on Thursdays.
Practice Exercise
Fill in the blank:
- I have football practice on ______.
- ______ presentation was excellent.
- The shop closes early on ______.
Answers:
- Thursdays
- Thursday’s
- Thursdays
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does “Thursdays” mean?
It means more than one Thursday or a repeated weekly day.
2. What does “Thursday’s” mean?
It shows something belonging to Thursday.
3. Why is there an apostrophe in “Thursday’s”?
The apostrophe shows possession or contraction.
4. Can “Thursdays” have an apostrophe?
No. The plural form does not need one.
5. What if something belongs to multiple Thursdays?
Then we write Thursdays’.
Example:
The Thursdays’ meetings were productive.
6. Why do learners confuse these words?
Because the difference is only a small apostrophe.
7. Which one is used for weekly routines?
Thursdays is used for weekly routines.
Example:
I go jogging on Thursdays.
Conclusion
The difference between Thursdays and Thursday’s is simple.
- Thursdays means more than one Thursday or a repeated weekly day.
- Thursday’s shows possession or contraction.
Remember this rule:
Plural day → Thursdays
Possession → Thursday’s
By paying attention to the apostrophe, you can easily avoid this common English mistake.
Brandon Samuel is a dedicated writer and language enthusiast, serving as the lead author at WordHuts.com. He specializes in explaining word differences, grammar rules, and common language mistakes in simple terms. Brandon’s clear, practical writing style helps readers improve vocabulary, writing confidence, and everyday communication skills.
