When learning English, one of the trickier parts can be understanding how to form the ordinal numbers correctly. You know, those little numbers we use to show order or position—1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so forth. It’s like when you see a line of people waiting for a bus; the numbers help us say who is first, who is second, and who is third in line.
The correct form is 12th, not 12nd. In English, ordinal numbers (numbers showing position) end with specific suffixes based on the last digit of the number. Numbers ending in 2 typically use “nd” (second, 22nd); however, there are exceptions. Twelve ends in 2 but it takes “th” as “twelfth.”
For example, when you are talking about your 12th birthday, you say “My twelfth birthday,” not “My 12nd birthday.” This rule helps keep your English clear and correct.
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
Let’s start by understanding what ordinal numbers are. They are numbers that tell us about the position of something in a list or a series. It could be anything, like being 4th in a race or something fun like being the 10th person to ride a roller coaster at an amusement park.
What Makes 12th Different?
Have you ever been unsure whether to write 12nd or 12th? You’re not alone! This can be a common mistake, but the rule here is actually pretty straightforward.
Let’s break it down:
- We use “th” for most numbers (4th, 5th, 19th).
- Exceptions to this rule include numbers like 1st (first), 2nd (second), and 3rd (third).
Notice anything from the exceptions? They are all single digits when 12 is a two-digit number. This same rule extends to other two-digit numbers.
Why the Confusion?
But why do people get mixed up and sometimes write 12nd? Well, it usually comes from mixing up the rules for 2nd (second) with 12. If you’re quickly writing and not thinking about it, it’s easy to mix them up just because both include the number 2.
Think of it this way: Even though 12 includes the number 2, it is treated differently because it’s not just about the 2 – it’s about the whole number 12. Imagine you had a dozen donuts. You wouldn’t say you have a second-en donuts; you have a dozen, right? It’s the same idea with using 12th.
Examples and Usage
Here’s how you might see 12th used:
- If there’s a competition going on, whoever is standing at position number 12 would be 12th.
- April 12th is the day some people celebrate as National Licorice Day in the United States. Not April 12nd!
- In a list of favorite books, your 12th favorite is not quite near the top but still on your favorite list.
Putting It All Together
So, when it comes to writing down the number 12 in its ordinal form, the correct way is 12th. Next time you come across this while writing birthday invitations or scheduling an event for the 12th day of the month, you’ll be good to go!
Remember, English can be tricky with its rules and exceptions. But just like anything else, with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to master it. Do these rules make sense now? They help everyone understand things in order and keep our sentences smooth and easy to read.
So, the next time you’re writing numbers and their orders, just think about the trick with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and then smooth sailing with “th” for most others. It’s like following a recipe in cooking: add the right ingredients, and you’ll end up with a delicious meal—or in this case, a perfectly written sentence!
And what if you forgot and wrote it wrong once or twice? No worries. Everyone makes mistakes, and that’s how we learn. What’s important is that you keep trying, and you’ll get the hang of it.
Remember, whether it’s in school, at work, or just during your daily activities, using these little numbers correctly makes your English clear and correct. Isn’t it wonderful how learning something small like this can help improve your language skills significantly?
