When you’re working with numbers and dates, there’s always a specific way to write them, especially when you’re adding endings like “st,” “nd,” “rd,” and “th.” Learning the correct format can be tricky, but once you’ve got it, you’ll write dates like a pro!
The correct form is 26th, not 26st. When forming ordinals in English, numbers ending in 6 always take ‘th’ at the end, regardless of what the tens digit is. This rule applies even when the number is part of a larger number. For example, we say 26th for the twenty-sixth and 126th for the one hundred and twenty-sixth.
This rule helps avoid confusion and maintains consistency in writing dates or positions. When you say, “Today is my 26th birthday,” it clearly and correctly communicates that it’s the celebration of twenty-six years since your birth.
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
Let’s start with the basics—an ordinal number is a number that tells the position or order of something in a list. For example, if you were lining up for a movie, and you were the first in line, ‘first’ is the ordinal number describing your position.
Determining the Correct Suffix
The endings -st, -nd, -rd, and -th help us to express the order. But how do we know which one to use? It’s simpler than it seems. It just depends on the last digit of the number:
- If the number ends in 1, we use “st” (except for ’11’).
- If it ends in 2, we use “nd” (except for ’12’).
- If it ends in 3, we use “rd” (except for ’13’).
- For all other numbers, we use “th”.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, there are a few exceptions! Numbers like 11, 12, and 13 are tricky because they don’t follow the normal rule. Even though 11 ends in 1, we don’t say “11st.” We say “11th.” The same rule applies to 12 and 13—they use “th” instead of “nd” or “rd.”
So, What About 26?
Now, let’s apply this rule to the number 26. The number ends in 6; therefore, according to our rule, we use “th.” It makes 26 become “26th.” Have you seen why?
Examples in Real Life
Let’s put this into some real-life contexts:
- My birthday is on the 26th of March.
- Our anniversary is celebrated on September 26th.
- In the marathon, I finished in the 26th place.
Practical Tips for Rememberysize=”5″ing
How can you make sure you’re using the right form when you’re writing a date or a position? Here’s a little tip: always think about the final digit and usesize=”5″ our simple suffix rule.
What happens if you forget the exceptions? It helps to keep a small reminder or a note in your diary until you get used to them.
Why it Matters
You might be wondering, does it really matter if you say “26st” instead of “26th”? In everyday conversation, you might be understood either way. But in writing, especially in formal situations like invitations, official documents, or school papers, using the correct form shows attention to detail and proper language use.
Conclusion
Remember, practicing these small details can help you improve your writing skills and build confidence. Whether you’re filling out forms, writing emails, or marking important dates on your calendar, the right suffix can make everything look cleaner and more professional. So, next time you’re talking about a date or position, which suffix will you use? It’s easy, right? Just think about the last digit!
By popping these easy rules into your daily usage, crafting dates correctly becomes second nature. And remember, if you’re ever in doubt, you can always double-check – it’s worth getting right.
