When it comes to writing dates in English, we might often find ourselves unsure about the correct forms to use. Let’s look into whether it is more appropriate to say “22th” or “22nd.”
The correct form is 22nd. This follows the rule for expressing ordinal numbers in English, where the last two letters of the written word match the last two letters spoken aloud. For example, “second” ends in “nd,” so “22nd” is correct.
This rule helps ensure clarity in writing dates or rankings, like “He finished in the 22nd place.” Using the incorrect form, “22th,” can confuse readers and appear unprofessional.
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
An ordinal number tells the position of something in a list. For instance, 1st stands for first, 2nd stands for second, and so on. Simple, right?
How are Ordinal Numbers Formed?
Most ordinal numbers end in “th.” This includes numbers like fourth (4th), fifth (5th), or eleventh (11th). Do you see the pattern? However, there are a few exceptions. Let’s go into those a bit.
The Exceptions
For numbers 1, 2, and 3, we use special endings. The number 1 becomes 1st (first), number 2 becomes 2nd (second), and number 3 becomes 3rd (third). These special endings help them stand out because they usually mark important positions, like first place in a race.
What About the Twenties?
Now, the twenties follow the basic pattern but remember the exceptions we talked about! Numbers like 22 include the number 2, which is normally written as “2nd” when on its own. So, when we expand that to 22, it follows the same rule and becomes “22nd.”
Common Mistakes with Ordinal Numbers
Oftentimes, people might say “22th” by accident because they are used to adding a “th” for most numbers. It’s an easy mistake! But now, you’ll know better, right?
Examples to Guide You
- Correct: Today is my brother’s 22nd birthday.
- Incorrect: Today is my brother’s 22th birthday.
When we hear “22nd” it flows more naturally. Feels easy on the tongue, doesn’t it?
Other Number Endings
Let’s briefly look at other numbers around 22 to understand this pattern better. The number 21 is written as 21st, 23 is 23rd, and 24 returns to 24th. See how only the numbers 1, 2, and 3 in their units place change the ending?
How to Always Get It Right
Here’s a tip: if you’re writing a number and you’re not sure what ending to use, refer to these rules. Do you see a 1, 2, or 3 as the rightmost digit (not counting zero)? Then remember our special cases!
A Simple Rule to Follow
Think about how the number sounds when you say it aloud. Does saying “twenty-twond” seem right? Not really! It points directly to “twenty-second,” which naturally fits.
Real-World Application
Keep in mind these rules when you’re writing dates, especially in formal documents like invitations or official forms. Imagine getting a birthday invitation for the “22th” of a month. It could give someone a little pause, right?
Using the correct form shows attention to detail and helps communication stay clear.
Additional Tips
If you’re learning English as a second language, pay extra attention to reading dates out loud in English. This practice will make you comfortable with numbers and their ordinal forms.
Why not quiz yourself as you see dates on digital displays or in calendars? Ask, “If today is the 21st, what was yesterday? What will tomorrow be?” This habit can make remembering the rules a breeze.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, remember “22nd” is the correct form, and “22th” is a common mistake. Now that you know, you can confidently write dates and teach others if they need help. Do you feel ready to use these numbers the right way?
Always look for that final digit; it’s your key to getting ordinals right. With a little bit of practice, it’ll become second nature to you. How helpful was this explanation? Could you see how simple these rules actually are?
The more you use them, the easier it will be to keep them straight. Soon, you won’t even have to think about it!The more you use them, the easier it will be to keep them straight. Soon, you won’t even have to think about it!
