When we use numbers in English, especially in writing, it’s important to add the right ending. Have you ever wondered why we write “1st” and not “1th”? It’s because each number has a correct way to show its position or order.
The correct form is 100th. When expressing ordinal numbers (numbers showing position or order), we add “th” to the base number. For example, 100 becomes 100th, indicating the position in a sequence.
Let’s apply this: If you are celebrating a centenary, you would say it’s the 100th anniversary. This shows it’s the one hundredth year since an event occurred.
Understanding the Basics
Order in numbers is usually shown by adding two last letters from the word of the ordinal number. For example, “first” becomes “1st,” “second” becomes “2nd,” and “third” becomes “3rd.”
But what happens when we have bigger numbers, like 100? Let’s find out.
Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers tell the position of something in a list. For example, “first” means someone or something is at the top or beginning of a list. “Second” is just after the first, and so on.
The General Rule
For most numbers, just add “th” at the end. This works for numbers like 5, 6, and 7, which turn into “5th,” “6th,” and “7th.”
However, there are exceptions! I bet you’ve seen “1st,” “2nd,” or “3rd.” These are because of their unique endings in their words.
Exceptions to the Rule
Numbers that end in 1, 2, or 3 have special endings. But remember, only if they’re not part of a larger number like 11, 12, or 13.
For example, 21 uses the ending from its last number, 1, making it “21st.” But 11, though ending in 1, is an exception and stays “11th.” It can be a bit tricky, right?
What About Larger Numbers?
Larger numbers follow the same rules. Let’s look at the number 100 as an example. Think about how you say it: “one hundredth.” That “th” tells you it’s an ordinal number.
Therefore, when writing it as an ordinal number, it should be “100th.” The “th” at the end covers all bases, making it simple.
Breaking Down “100th”
Why Not “100st”?
“100st” might seem correct if you think about the “1” being the first part of 100. However, think of it this way: the full number is what counts. When you write or say it out loud, “one hundredth” feels right, doesn’t it?
As with other rules in English, we look at the whole number. Here, “100” makes “one hundredth,” not “one hundredst.” Never heard “hundredst,” have you? It just sounds odd!
Examples in Use
Let’s see some examples to clear any doubts:
- If you are celebrating a school’s 100th year, you would say, “We’re preparing for the 100th anniversary.”
- If running in a race, and you finish in the 100th place, you’d say, “I came in 100th place.”
- When marking the 100th day of the year, you say, “Today is the 100th day of the year.”
These examples use “100th” because we are talking about positions or orders in a sequence.
Crafting Sentences
When you write or talk about order, it’s like following a recipe in the kitchen. Each ingredient has its place just like each number has its correct ending.
Remember how you’d say the numbers aloud? Saying “one hundred first” for “101st” makes sense, right? Now, if you said “one hundred first” for 100, it would sound like you’re missing something.
Final Thoughts
Always remember, numbers like 100 need “100th,” as it follows the simple rules of English ordinal numbers. Just like knowing the correct word helps in asking clear questions or giving great directions, using the right number form helps everyone understand exactly what you’re talking about.
Whether writing invitations, celebrating milestones, or numbering pages in a book, getting the order right makes your message clear and understandable!
Is it all making sense now? Whenever you use numbers next time, think about what you’re really saying. Ordinal numbers don’t have to be complicated, even with larger numbers like 100!
Remember this simple method, and you’ll always get it right, keeping your writing smooth and your readers happy.
