"5 years of experience" vs "5-year experience"

Question

"5 years of experience" vs "5-year experience"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. '5 years of experience' is the more common and natural way to express the duration of experience. On the other hand, '5-year experience' is used when the term 'experience' is being used as an adjective to describe a job or work experience.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

This phrase is used to specify the amount of time someone has been involved in a particular activity or field.

Examples:

She has 5 years of experience in marketing.
The job requires at least 5 years of experience in software development.
I have gained valuable skills through my 5 years of experience as a teacher.
He has accumulated 5 years of experience working in the finance industry.
The candidate must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in project management.

Alternatives:

5 years' experience
Experience of 5 years
Experience spanning 5 years
5-year track record
5-year stint

This phrase is used to describe a job or work experience that has lasted for a period of 5 years.

Examples:

She has a 5-year experience as a project manager.
The company is looking for candidates with 5-year experience in customer service.
He shared his 5-year experience working in a multinational corporation.
The position requires a 5-year experience in sales.
I have a 5-year experience in the hospitality industry.

Alternatives:

5-year work experience
Experience lasting 5 years
5-year professional experience
5-year job experience
5-year industry experience

Answer 1

5 years of experience

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate the duration of experience.

Answer 2

5-year experience

This phrase is correct when 'experience' is used as an adjective to describe a job or work experience.

"5 years of experience" vs "5-year experience"

5 years of experience

5-year experience

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