Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

Which is correct?

a) in early 1990s

b) in the early 1990s

I have seen both on the internet. Personally, I would say "in the early 1990s", but I'd like to know if "in early 1990s" is grammatically acceptable or not.

Thank you,

Nawee

[Lorikeet]

For me, "in the early 1990s" sounds fine. It means 1990, 1991, 1992 or 1993, or so. "in early 1990" is also okay, and it means January, February, March or maybe April of 1990. "in early 1990s" sounds wrong to me.