23st or 23rd – Which is Correct?

Sarah Thompson

When you see numbers followed by letters like “st,” “nd,” “rd,” and “th,” these are called ordinal indicators. They help us tell the position of something in a list. For example, if you are third in line at a store, you might say, “I’m 3rd in line!” But sometimes, it can be confusing to know which letters to use, especially with numbers like 23.

The correct form is 23rd. In English, ordinal numbers (which indicate position or order) are formed by adding a suffix like -st, -nd, -rd, or -th to the base number. The suffix for the number 23 is -rd, making it 23rd. This rule applies to numbers ending in 3. However, the exceptions are 11th, 12th, and 13th, regardless of the last digit.

For example, when talking about a date, you would say, “Today is the 23rd of April.” This use of ordinal numbers helps clearly indicate the specific position of the day within the month.

Understanding the Basics of Ordinal Numbers

Let’s start with the basics. Ordinals are numbers that show position or order. First, second, and third are examples of ordinal numbers. We have special endings for each number to show where it stands in order. These are the “st,” “nd,” “rd,” and “th” we talked about.

When to Use st, nd, rd, and th

Knowing which letters to use after a number can feel tricky, but there’s an easy way to remember. For most numbers, we use “th.” This includes numbers like 4th, 5th, and 6th. However, there are exceptions!

  • Use “st” with numbers ending in 1 (e.g., 1st, 21st, 31st).
  • Use “nd” with numbers ending in 2 (e.g., 2nd, 22nd, 32nd).
  • Use “rd” with numbers ending in 3 (e.g., 3rd, 23rd, 33rd).

Remember, there are some exceptions to these rules. For instance, 11th, 12th, and 13th don’t follow the usual pattern.

Which is Correct: 23st or 23rd?

Let’s consider the number 23. It ends with a 3. So, according to our rule, it should have “rd” after it. That turns 23 into 23rd.

Are you wondering why it isn’t 23st? The reason is all about matching the last digit of the number with the right ending. Since 3 always goes with “rd,” 23rd is the correct form to use.

Practical Examples in Daily Use

When You Write Dates

If you are writing a date, such as someone’s birthday or an event, you’ll need to use the ordinal form. For instance, “March 23rd is my birthday.”

In Sports and Competitions

Sometimes, ordinals help describe positions in races or contests. “She finished 23rd in the marathon.” This tells us exactly where someone ended up in the ranking.

Planning and Scheduling

Have you ever made plans for a specific day of the month? You’d use an ordinal number here, too. “Let’s meet on the 23rd of June.” This makes it clear which day you are talking about, so no one gets mixed up.

Why Does All of This Matter?

Using ordinal numbers correctly helps us communicate more clearly. Whether you’re marking a special date, tallying positions, or scheduling events, these little letters after numbers make our intentions known.

Imagine if someone said, “Let’s meet on the 23st.” It sounds a bit off, right? Just using the correct ending, like 23rd, can make your sentence sound polished and correct.

Tips for Remembering These Rules

Lastly, you might be wondering how to keep all this straight. Here are a few tips:

  • Notice the last digit of the number. That’s the key to choosing “st,” “nd,” “rd,” or “th.”
  • Practice by writing out dates or rankings. The more you use them, the easier it becomes to remember.
  • When in doubt, repeat the number out loud with possible endings. Which one sounds right to you?

Can you see how using the right ordinal number can make your statements clearer? Next time you are talking about places in a line or dates in a calendar, you’ll know exactly how to do it. So, remember these simple rules, and you’ll always get it right!

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