When learning English, one common challenge is understanding how to correctly use numbers in phrases. Have you ever wondered why we say “1st” instead of “1th” or “2nd” instead of “2rd”? It might seem a bit confusing at first, but there’s a clear set of rules that simplify this seemingly complex aspect of the language.
The correct form is 10th. In English, ordinal numbers (which tell the position of something in a sequence) end with “th,” “nd,” “rd,” or “st,” based on the last digit of the number. Numbers ending in 1 use “st” (except for 11, which uses “th”), numbers ending in 2 use “nd” (except for 12, which uses “th”), and numbers ending in 3 use “rd” (except for 13, which uses “th”). All other numbers use “th.”
For example, when writing the ordinal form of 10, since the last digit is 0, it follows the general rule and uses “th,” making it 10th. Saying “10rd” is incorrect because the number does not end in 3. This rule helps keep number expressions clear and consistent in both spoken and written English.
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers indicate position or order in relation to other numbers. Think of it like lining up for a race. The person at the front of the line is 1st, the next is 2nd, the next is 3rd, and so on. Each of these labels—1st, 2nd, 3rd—helps us understand who came in what position.
Basic Rules for Ordinals
Here is a simple rule to start with: most ordinal numbers end in “th,” except for numbers that end in 1, 2, or 3. However, there are exceptions to this rule which we’ll discuss.
Here’s how it works:
– Numbers ending in 1 are followed by “st” (except for “eleven,” which is “11th”).
– Numbers ending in 2 are followed by “nd” (except for “twelve,” which is “12th”).
– Numbers ending in 3 are followed by “rd” (except for “thirteen,” which is “13th”).
All other numbers ending in 4-9 or 0 are followed by “th”.
So imagine you’re handing out badges for a competition. If someone finishes in 21st place, you’d give them a badge that says “21st”, not “21th”. And the one who finishes next would get a “22nd” badge, not “22rd”.
Common Errors
A frequent mistake learners make is misapplying these rules. For example, saying “10rd” because they hear the ‘r’ sound in “third”. Remember, the sound isn’t what dictates the abbreviation—it’s the final number and the exceptions to the rules!
Examples of Misuses and Correct Uses
Let’s look at a few examples to make things clearer.
– Incorrect: I finished 10rd in the race.
– Correct: I finished 10th in the hook race.
– Incorrect: She celebrated her 23st birthday.
– Correct: She celebrated her 23rd birthday.
– Incorrect: He was the 5rd person to solve the puzzle.
– Correct: He was the 5th person to solve the puzzle.
Why ’10th’ is Correct and ’10rd’ is Not
The number 10 ends in 0. According to our rules, numbers ending in 0 should be followed by “th”, making it “10th”. Saying “10rd” mixes up the rule that applies only to numbers ending in 3, which are followed by “rd”. Just remember, the form changes based on the individual digit at the end of the whole number.
Remembering the Rules
Imagine you’re packing fruits into boxes and labeling each one based on its order in line. You would naturally say, “This is the 1st box (because it’s the first one), this is the 2nd box, and so on until the 10th box and beyond. When you reach 13, despite feeling like saying ’13rd’ because of the ‘three’, it properly remains as ’13th’.”
Isn’t it easier when you think of it that way? Just like stacking boxes in the correct sequence and labeling them based on their position. This analogy can help you remember how to position and label numbers correctly.
Conclusion
Ordinals in English, like in many languages, follow specific rules that, once understood, make them easy to use correctly. Mixing them up is a common error, but with practice, you’ll find yourself using them like a natural. Keep practicing, and you’ll master this part of English in no longer time.
