The correct term to refer to the decade from 1960 to 1969 is “1960s.” While it may seem like a small difference, using “1960ies” is actually incorrect and not commonly used in the English language. Understanding the reasoning and using proper examples can help shed light on why “1960s” is the appropriate choice.
One of the main reasons for using “1960s” is consistency. When referring to other decades, such as the 1950s or the 1970s, we always use the plural form of the decade identifier. It would be odd and inconsistent to use “60ies” or “70s” when referring to those periods. For instance, we say “the swinging sixties” or “the disco seventies,” which encapsulates the entire decade as a whole.
Furthermore, when we refer to specific years within a decade, we use an apostrophe followed by the last two digits of the year. For example, we correctly write “1968” or “1989” to represent individual years. This usage is consistent with other time periods and also helps avoid confusion. It allows us to distinguish between a specific year and a whole decade effortlessly.
Using “1960s” is also supported by the rules of grammar. In English, when we make a plural noun or a word ending in a number plural, we add an “s” at the end. Examples of this include “teachers,” “cats,” and “1980s.” It would be grammatically incorrect to use “ies” for the plural form of a year or any other numerical identifier.
In addition to the linguistic aspect, there is also a convention and familiarity aspect to consider. “1960s” is widely recognized and used across various platforms, including literature, historical references, and everyday conversation. It has become the standard way to refer to the period, and using “1960ies” would only create confusion and go against common conventions.
To illustrate this point further, let’s consider a scenario where someone is describing a historical event during the 1960s. If they were to say, “In the 1960ies, the civil rights movement gained momentum,” it would likely cause confusion and raise questions about their usage of the term. However, if they said, “In the 1960s, the civil rights movement gained momentum,” their statement would be clear and easily understood by the listeners or readers.
In conclusion, the correct term to use when referring to the decade from 1960 to 1969 is “1960s.” This choice is supported by consistency with other decades, adherence to grammar rules, convention, and familiarity. It is essential to use the proper terminology to ensure effective communication and avoid confusion. So, let’s embrace the correct usage of “1960s” and continue to engage with the rich history and cultural significance of that era.