3 years' experience/ 3 year's experience/ 3-year experiece

Hi All,

The other day I found myself in trouble trying to explain the difference between those expressions. Could you please help?
℃ↂ_ↂ

Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by solg

Hi All,

The other day I found myself in trouble trying to explain the difference between those expressions. Could you please help?
℃ↂ_ↂ

Thanks!

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3 years' experience = (possessive form; belonging to a group of three years). Experience acquired during three years.
EX: I have three years' experience on the job.

3 year's experience = (improper possessive form) This apostrophe is improperly placed. If it were one year it would be correct. (See above example for proper position of apostrophe.)
EX: I have one year's experience on the job.

3-year experience = a singular experience with a duration of three years.
EX: Sailing around the world was a three year experience.

Wow! That was really thorough and clear! (•̀ᴗ•́)و ̑̑

Thanks, Vicente!

Please, look out for the way Vicente used both accepted versions:

a) to have/hold three years' experience
b) a 3-year experience

These are nuances, but that make a difference when it comes to using the proper grammar.

;) Thank you solg; and gentle. :o It's always nice to know I have helped someone.