Have you ever seen numbers followed by letters like “th” and “rd”? These letters are called ordinal indicators and they show the position of something in a list. For example, when you are talking about the first day of the month, you say 1st of September. Similarly, the letters following the number 12 determine its format as an ordinal.
The correct form is 12th. The suffix “-th” is used for most ordinal numbers, but there are exceptions for first (1st), second (2nd), and third (3rd). The rule is based on the final digit of the number: if it’s 1, we use “st”; if it’s 2, we use “nd”; if it’s 3, we use “rd”; and for all other numbers, including 12, we use “th”.
For example, when talking about dates, we say “12th of June” instead of “12rd of June”. This helps in making your sentences clear and correct, especially in formal writing or announcements. Incorrect usage can confuse listeners or readers and give a less professional impression.
What is the Rule for Using Ordinal Indicators?
Ordinal indicators come after a number to show ranking or position. English uses “st,” “nd,” “rd,” and “th” based on the last digit of the number. Here’s how it works:
- If a number ends in 1, it uses “st” (except for 11, which uses “th”).
- If a number ends in 2, it uses “nd” (except for 12, which uses “th”).
- If a number ends in 3, it uses “rd” (except for 13, which uses “th”).
- For all other numbers, “th” is used.
Examples of Ordinal Indicators:
Here are some examples of how these rules apply:
- The 21st day of this month is special.
- She finished in the 32nd place.
- He was the 23rd president.
- We will meet on the 14th.
Why “12th” is Correct and Not “12rd”
Although 2 usually calls for “nd,” there are exceptions, and 12 is one of them. Why does 12 use “th” instead of “rd”? It’s a special rule in English. Numbers like 11, 12, and 13 are exceptions due to how they sound and their historical formation in the language. They always end with “th.” This makes “12th” the standard and correct form, not “12th.”
Using “12th” in Sentences
Let’s see “12th” in action:
- Her birthday is on the 12th of June.
- The meeting is scheduled for December 12th.
- I moved here on the 12th.
- He ranked 12th in the competition.
Familiar Exceptions in English Numbers
You’ve learned that 12th is an exception. Are there other things like this in English that might surprise someone learning the language? Yes!
For example, why do we say “a pair of pants” when it’s just one item? It’s an oddity in English that comes from the time when pants were made in two parts. Or, consider the word “butterfly.” Isn’t it strange that it’s not a kind of butter or a flying butter dish? English is full of these interesting exceptions that make it unique.
Understanding Why Can Help You Remember
Understanding why different things happen in English can help you remember them better. Just like how “12th” feels right after learning its rule, other facts about English might start to stick once you know their stories. By connecting new information to what you already know, learning becomes a bit easier and a lot more interesting.
English isn’t just about rules. It’s about patterns, exceptions, and fun surprises. Once you start seeing the logic, even if it’s quirky, you’re on your way to mastering this language. This makes learning not just effective but also enjoyable. Do you see how changes in single letters after numbers can mean so much? It’s like each number has its own personality!
Now, whenever you see numbers with “st,” “nd,” “rd,” or “th,” you’ll know why they’re there and feel confident in using them correctly. Isn’t English interesting with all these little quirks and tricks? It’s almost like getting to know someone new, finding out what makes them tick. And now, you’re getting to know the numbers and their special endings, like meeting new friends in the world of words and numbers.
