Wondering if a possessive apostrophe is correct after 'minutes' in the sentence: "After a few minutes' use, the hairdryer stopped working."? I know it's correct to have one in the sentence "In a few weeks' time, I'll be on holiday." but not sure if it's the same?

  • Yes, you have to have an -s' for it to be correct: "a few minutes' use." – Nick Dec 6 '17 at 20:51
  • According to snailplane in this rather related--but not duplicate--post, the apostrophe is optional rather than required. I'm a bit on the fence, myself, and would probably chicken out and use farnsy's option. – BobRodes Dec 6 '17 at 21:56

Yes, use an apostrophe in both your hairdryer and holiday examples.

You could also write

After a few minutes of use, the hairdryer stopped working

which is the somewhat more common way to say this.

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