Apostrophe assistance please

[jsgirl]

If I'm referring to someone having 8 years experience, should it be 8 years' experience or no apostrophe at all?

Thanks

no apostrophe

I would put an apostrophe - years'.

Oopa! My reasoning would be that it is a short way of saying "8 years of experience" - therefore you need the apostrophe.

Am interested to see what the real grammar pedants think though...

It is actually possessive 'eight years of experience' so the apostrophe is needed.

Thanks for your (very quick!) replies.

I'll go with 8 years'.

Where would I be without Mumsnet?!

I think it's okay either way. You can read it as "8 years (of) experience", which needs no apostrophe. Or you can read it as "8 years' (worth) of experience, which does need one.

Just came across this on ebay:-

"WILL ACCEPT ANY sensibal OFFER'S MADE THROUGH EBAYS BEST OFFER SYSTEM ON THIS"

Nice touch - puts in the apostrophe where it isn't needed, leaves it out where it is needed.

Is sensibal a new wonder-drug?