Many learners feel confused when they see “Thursdays” and “Thursday’s.” At first look, both seem correct, and both come from the word Thursday. But they do not mean the same thing.
The confusion usually happens because of the apostrophe (’). Some people think it shows plural (more than one), while others know it shows possession (ownership). Because of this, mistakes are very common in writing, emails, and even social media.
Don’t worry—this guide will explain everything in very simple English so you can understand it easily and never get confused again.
Quick Answer
Here is the difference in a very simple way:
- Thursdays = more than one Thursday (plural)
- Thursday’s = something belongs to Thursday OR something related to one Thursday (possessive or contraction)
Examples:
- I go to class on Thursdays. ✅
- Thursday’s meeting is important. ✅
Simple Background Explanation
To understand this topic, you only need to know two basic grammar ideas:
1. Plural (More Than One)
When we talk about more than one thing, we usually add “s”.
- One day → Thursday
- Many days → Thursdays
2. Possession (Belonging)
When something belongs to someone or something, we use apostrophe + s (’s).
- The book of Ali → Ali’s book
- The meeting of Thursday → Thursday’s meeting
3. Contraction (Short Form)
Sometimes ’s also means “is” or “has”.
- Thursday’s busy = Thursday is busy
- Thursday’s been long = Thursday has been long
Clear Explanation of the Difference
Let’s look at both words closely.
✔️ Thursdays (Plural)
Use “Thursdays” when you mean many Thursdays.
It answers the question: How often? or Which days (in general)?
Examples:
- I play football on Thursdays.
- We have exams every Thursdays.
- Restaurants are busy on Thursdays.
👉 No apostrophe is used here.
✔️ Thursday’s (Possessive or Contraction)
Use “Thursday’s” in two cases:
1. Possession (Something belongs to Thursday)
- Thursday’s schedule (the schedule of Thursday)
- Thursday’s weather (the weather of Thursday)
2. Contraction (Short form of “is” or “has”)
- Thursday’s going to be busy (= Thursday is going to be busy)
- Thursday’s been great (= Thursday has been great)
👉 Always remember: the apostrophe (’) changes the meaning.
Comparison Table
| Form | Meaning | Use Case | Example |
| Thursdays | More than one Thursday | Plural | I work on Thursdays. |
| Thursday’s | Belonging to Thursday | Possessive | Thursday’s meeting is canceled. |
| Thursday’s | Short for “Thursday is/has” | Contraction | Thursday’s going to be fun. |
Which One to Use and When
Here is an easy way to decide:
Use “Thursdays” when:
- You talk about habits or routines
- You mean more than one Thursday
- You talk about weekly events
✔ Example:
- I go to the gym on Thursdays.
Use “Thursday’s” when:
- Something belongs to Thursday
- You can replace it with “Thursday is” or “Thursday has”
✔ Examples:
- Thursday’s class is canceled.
- Thursday’s going to be exciting.
Common Mistakes People Make
Here are mistakes that many learners make:
❌ Using apostrophe for plural
- Wrong: I go to school on Thursday’s
- Correct: I go to school on Thursdays
👉 Apostrophe is NOT used for plural.
❌ Forgetting apostrophe in possession
- Wrong: Thursdays meeting is important
- Correct: Thursday’s meeting is important
❌ Confusing contraction and possession
- Thursday’s busy → could mean:
- Thursday is busy ✔
- OR something belongs to Thursday (depends on sentence)
👉 Always check the meaning.
Everyday Real-Life Examples
Let’s see how these words are used in daily life.
📧 Emails
- We have team meetings on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s meeting has been moved to Friday.
📰 News
- Traffic is usually heavy on Thursdays.
- Thursday’s weather will be sunny and warm.
📱 Social Media
- I love relaxing on Thursdays 😌
- Thursday’s vibe is so calm!
🏫 Daily Life
- Classes happen every Thursdays.
- Thursday’s homework is easy today.
Learning Section for Students and Beginners
Here is a simple trick to remember:
🔑 Easy Rule:
- No apostrophe → plural (many days)
- With apostrophe → belonging or short form
Practice Exercise
Choose the correct word:
- I go shopping on ______.
- ______ class is very important.
- ______ going to be a long day.
Answers:
- Thursdays
- Thursday’s
- Thursday’s
FAQ Section
1. Is “Thursdays” correct?
Yes, it is correct. It means more than one Thursday.
2. Is “Thursday’s” correct?
Yes, it is correct. It shows possession or contraction.
3. What is the main difference?
- Thursdays = many days
- Thursday’s = belongs to Thursday or “Thursday is/has”
4. Can I use “Thursday’s” for plural?
No. Apostrophe is not used for plural.
5. How do I know if it is a contraction?
Try replacing it with:
- “Thursday is”
- “Thursday has”
If it makes sense, it is a contraction.
6. Which one is used more in daily life?
Both are common:
- Thursdays for routines
- Thursday’s for specific situations
7. Is this rule the same for other days?
Yes! The same rule applies:
- Mondays / Monday’s
- Fridays / Friday’s
8. Can “Thursday’s” be confusing?
Yes, sometimes. It can mean:
- Possession
- OR contraction
👉 Always check the sentence.
Conclusion
Understanding “Thursdays” vs “Thursday’s” is actually very simple once you know the basic rule.
- Thursdays is used for plural (more than one day)
- Thursday’s is used for possession or as a short form of “is” or “has”
The key is to look for the apostrophe. It changes the meaning completely.
With a little practice, you will start using both forms correctly in your writing, speaking, and daily life. Keep practicing with simple sentences, and soon this confusion will disappear forever.
