When referring to a meeting in close proximity, should it be "this week's meeting" or "this week's meeting"? Both phrases are used, but one might be more accurate and common in professional contexts. Let's delve into the nuanced difference and explore the preferred usage.
Firstly, consider the phrase "this week's meeting". This term positions the meeting as the one occurring during the current week. It's precise, indicating that the meeting is happening now or will occur in the near future. It's a popular choice in business environments where clarity and specific timelines are crucial.
Understanding Possessive vs. Contraction
The key differentiation lies in grammar: "this week's" is possessive, while "this week's" is a contraction. The possessive form denotes ownership or association, while the contraction simply combines "this" and "week".
In this context, "this week's" makes more sense as it directly relates the meeting to the current week. It's akin to saying "the meeting of this week", emphasizing the connection between the two.
The Business Context
"This week's meeting" is favored in business since it provides a clear timeframe. It's used in invitations, agendas, and follow-up emails: "Please join us for this week's meeting to discuss Q2 sales...".
It's also used in memos and reports: "During this week's meeting, we brainstormed strategies to improve customer satisfaction".
The Casual Context
In more informal settings, such as among friends or in casual conversations, the contraction "this week's" might be used. It's less formal and more conversational in tone: "Oh, I can't meet up this weekend because of this week's meeting".
However, even in casual contexts, the possessive form is often used for clarification: "Remind me, which one of this week's meetings clashes with my dentist appointment?"
Frequency of Use in Popular Media
When examining popular media, such as books, news articles, and corporate documents, "this week's meeting" (possessive) appears far more frequently. This implies it's the accepted norm in professional environments.
For instance, a quick search on an academic database like JSTOR reveals numerous instances of "this week's meeting" in scholarly papers on business management and organizational behavior.
Search Engine Results
Searching on Google Trends also favors "this week's meeting" (possessive), showing a higher frequency in usage worldwide. This suggests that the possessive form is more commonly used and recognized.
Similarly, a Google Ngram Viewer search, which shows the frequency of phrases in books, favors "this week's meeting", further solidifying its prevalence in literature.
In conclusion, while both phrases have their merits and contexts, "this week's meeting" (possessive) is more precisely accurate and commonly used in professional settings. It's clear, specific, and aligns with best practices in business grammar. Therefore, it's recommended for use in professional communications, ensuring you're understood and your message is clear.