“Years of Experience” or “Years’ Experience”: Correct Version

When it comes to writing about your years of experience, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. This article will discuss the correct way to write about your years of experience, and why it matters.

Is It “Years Of Experience” Or “Years’ Experience”?

Both “years of experience” and “years’ experience” are technically correct. “Years of experience” is more commonly used in everyday speech and writing. “Years’ experience” sounds a bit more formal and is more likely to be seen in business documents or on resumes.

If you’re writing for a general audience, it’s probably best to stick with “years of experience.” However, if you’re targeting a more specific audience or using language that will be read by people who are tuned into grammatical precision (such as lawyers or other professionals), then use “years’ experience.”

Is It “Year’s Experience” Or “Years’ Experience”?

The two versions are technically correct. The apostrophe indicates that the word “years” is possessive, meaning it belongs to a particular set of years. “Year’s” would indicate that there is only one year, which doesn’t make sense in this context.

The version you choose should depend on how you want your sentence to sound. If you want your sentence to sound more like one unit of time, then you would use “year’s experience.”

For example,

She has one year’s experience in the field.
The company only has a year’s experience in manufacturing
I have one year’s experience in blockchain development.

If you want your sentence to sound like multiple units of time, then you would use “years’ experience.”

For example,

I have 20 years’ experience in the banking industry.
He has five years’ experience as a high school teacher.
She has 10 years’ experience working in customer service.
We have 30 years’ experience managing our own business.
They have 40 years’ experience working together as a team.

Examples Of How To Use “Years Of Experience” In A Sentence

To better grasp how to utilize the phrase “years of expertise,” consider these examples.

After years of experience in the food industry, I know what works and what doesn’t.
I’m grateful for all the years of experience I’ve had in customer service.
Years of experience have taught me that it’s best not to take things too personally.
My years of experience as a teacher have given me a lot of patience.
I’ve been working in this field for years, and my experience has taught me how to handle difficult situations.
After years of experience, I know how to deal with stress and keep calm under pressure.
My time as an intern was a great opportunity to gain some valuable years of experience.

Examples Of How To Use “Years’ Experience” In A Sentence

Consider the following examples to better understand how to utilize the phrase “years’ experience.”

After 3 years’ experience in the corporate world, I’ve decided to start my own business.
I have 7 years’ experience working with children, and I love it.
She may be young, but she has 3 years’ experience in the field.
We’re a company with 11 years’ experience in this industry.
I don’t have 2 years’ experience, but I’m willing to learn.
He’s only been out of college for a few years, but he already has 4 years’ experience in accounting.

Are “Years Of Experience” And “Years’ Experience” Interchangeable?

Yes. “Years of experience” and “years’ experience” are interchangeable if you are talking about the number of years an individual has been doing something. For example, “She has 5 years of experience in web development.” or “He has 8 years’ experience in sales.”

If you are talking about how many years one has on their calendar, then it would be “She is 25 years old and has 5 years of experience.” or “He is 45 years old and has 8 years’ experience.”

Is “Years Of Experience” Or “Years’ Experience” Used The Most?

“Years of experience” is more frequently used phrase than “years’ experience” according to this Google Ngram Viewer graph.

“Years of Experience” or “Years Experience” english usage

The reason for this is because at its core, the difference between “years of experience” and “years’ experience” is one of familiarity. The phrase “year of experience” sounds more natural to most people because it’s the phrase they’re used to hearing and seeing. The phrase “years’ experience” is newer and less common, so it may sound strange to some people.

“Years Of Experience” Or “Years’ Experience” – Usage In The UK And In The US

According to this Google Ngram Viewer graph, “years of experience” is far more used than “years’ experience” in the US.

“Years of Experience” or “Years Experience” American English

While this Google Ngram Viewer graph shows that “years of experience” is more frequently used than “years’ experience” in the UK.

“Years of Experience” or “Years Experience” British English

However, the frequency of usage of “years of experience” is higher in the US than the UK.