Understanding the correct form to use when writing dates in English can be tricky, especially when it comes to adding suffixes like “th”, “rd”, or “nd”. Have you ever seen both "23th" and "23rd" and wondered which one is right?
The correct form is 23rd, not 23th. When writing ordinal numbers, the last two letters of the word match the last two letters of the number when spoken. For instance, “third” ends in “rd,” so 23 becomes 23rd when written as an ordinal number.
This rule helps in everyday situations like scheduling meetings or celebrating birthdays. If you say, “Let’s meet on the 23rd of this month,” everyone understands it’s the day after the 22nd. Incorrectly saying “23th” might confuse non-native speakers who are still learning these patterns.
Why We Use Ordinal Numbers
Let’s start by understanding ordinal numbers. They help us talk about the order of things, like what comes first, second, third, and so on. Imagine you’re in a line for your favorite ice cream; ordinal numbers tell you whether you’re the first, second, or third in line.
Basic Rules for Ordinal Numbers
Each number has a specific way to turn into an ordinal number. Most of the time, we add "th" at the end of a number. But, there are exceptions. For the numbers 1, 2, and 3, we use "st", "nd", and "rd", respectively.
Special Cases in Numbers
Not all numbers behave the same. Numbers that end in 1, 2, or 3 usually have special endings: 1st (first), 2nd (second), 3rd (third). However, things change when there’s a teen at the end, like 11th, 12th, or 13th.
So, what happens when you get to higher numbers like 23, 33, or 44? The same rules apply. Numbers ending in 1 will use "st," for 2, it’s "nd," for 3, it’s "rd," and for all others, you stick with "th."
23rd or 23th?
So, let’s tackle our main question, shall we? You might hear someone say "23th"; however, this is not correct. The reason is simple: the number 23 ends in 3. According to our rules, numbers ending in 3 should use "rd." Therefore, "23rd" is correct.
Examples in Real Life
Think about important dates, like a birthday on the 23rd of a month. You’d say:
- "My brother’s birthday is on the 23rd of April."
It also pops up in daily scheduling or events:
- "The meeting is scheduled for the 23rd at noon."
- "She finished 23rd in the race."
How to Remember These Rules
It might seem a lot, but there’s an easy way to keep this straight. Just think about saying the number out loud. Does it sound right to say "twenty-three-th"? Not really—it’s awkward and clunky!
When You’re Not Sure
If you’re ever unsure, you can always double-check with a quick online search or look back at these rules. Practice also makes perfect. The more you see and use ordinal numbers, the more natural it will feel.
