When learning English, one of the challenges you may face is understanding how to use ordinal numbers correctly. What are ordinal numbers, you ask? They help us put things in order. For instance, if you’re standing in line at a store, ordinal numbers tell us who’s first, second, third, and so on.
Now, let’s focus on which is the correct form between “17th” and “17st.”
The correct form is 17th. In English, ordinal numbers (numbers showing order) end with specific suffixes based on the last digit of the number. For numbers ending in 1, we use “st” (e.g., 1st, 21st), for numbers ending in 2, we use “nd” (e.g., 2nd, 22nd), and for numbers ending in 3, we use “rd” (e.g., 3rd, 23rd). All other numbers end with “th” (e.g., 4th, 5th, 17th).
Here’s how you’d use it correctly: “Today is my sister’s 17th birthday.” This rule helps keep number usage clear and consistent in English writing and speaking.
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers indicate the order or position of something in a list. They are different from cardinal numbers that express quantity. For example, “one” (cardinal) becomes “first” (ordinal) when indicating position.
How Do We Form Ordinal Numbers?
For most numbers, we simply add “-th” at the end. Like twenty becomes twentieth, and thirty becomes thirtieth. But, like many rules in English, there are exceptions.
The numbers one, two, and three are unique. One becomes first (1st), two becomes second (2nd), and three becomes third (3rd). These special forms must be memorized since they don’t follow the usual pattern.
Where Do the Mistakes Happen?
Understanding the exceptions is key. Mistakes often happen when these exceptions are not known. For example, if you don’t know the exception, you might say “21st” as “21th.”
Why does this matter? Think about when you’re giving directions and you say “Turn at the 21th street.” It can sound confusing and not correct to someone who knows the right form.
Simple Tips to Remember
- One, two, and three have unique forms: first (1st), second (2nd), third (3rd).
- For numbers ending in one, like 21, 31, or 101, we say twenty-first (21st), thirty-first (31st), one hundred and first (101st).
- Sounds play a role too. Say each ordinal number out loud. It helps to hear if it sounds right. Does “seventeenth” or “seventeenths” sound correct?
Examples in Context
Let’s apply these numbers in sentences to see them in action:
- I finished the race in 15th place, not 15nd or 15st.
- My birthday is on the 22nd of July.
- She lives on the 103rd floor of the building.
- The 50th anniversary is called the golden anniversary.
The Question of “17th” vs “17st”
Now, think about the form. The seventeenth day of the month is not referred to as the 17st but as the 17th. This matches the pattern where most numbers just add -th to form their ordinal version.
If you said “17st,” it might sound like a typo or a misunderstanding of the rules. And in case you’re asking, remember how we count: seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth. Each ends with the “-th” sound.
Remembering the Correct Form
From the pattern, any number ending in seven typically will end in “seventeenth,” so always “17th.” Just add “-th” unless it’s a special number like one, two, or three.
It can be tricky at first, but with practice, using ordinal numbers becomes second nature!
Imagine if you were setting up a treasure hunt. You wouldn’t want your friends confused at the 17st clue when it should be the 17th, right?
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll not only improve your English but also avoid common mistakes that could confuse others or lead to misunderstandings.
So, life is a bit easier when you know how to say things the right way, isn’t it? Especially numbers that tell us about order and position. Because whether it’s dates, floors, or places, using the correct ordinal number isn’t just about rules; it’s about making things clear to everyone.
