When you’re writing dates, you might wonder how to properly format the abbreviations that go with numbers. Let’s say you have a birthday on the 30th day of a month. Do you write it as “30st” or “30th”? It’s very important to get this right, especially when you’re trying to make a good impression.
The correct form is 30th. The suffix -th is used for most ordinal numbers, except for those ending in 1, 2, or 3, which use -st, -nd, and -rd, respectively. The exception is when these numbers are part of the teens (11-13), which still use -th.
For example, when organizing a monthly meeting, you would say, “Let’s meet on the 30th of this month.” This shows you understand how to correctly form ordinal numbers, making your communication clear and professional.
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
Firstly, let’s understand what we mean when we talk about ordinal numbers. These are numbers that show the order or position of something in a list, such as first, second, or third. In writing, especially formal writing, knowing how to use them correctly is a must.
Which is Correct: 30st or 30th?
Think about how you say “30.” You pronounce it as “thirty,” not “thirsty,” which might help you figure out whether “30st” or “30th” is correct. That little clue tells us a lot about which abbreviation to use. Each part of the word gives us hints about how to abbreviate it correctly when we write dates or anything in sequence.
So, is it “30st” or “30th”? The correct way to abbreviate is “30th.” Why? Because when you’re dealing with numbers above 20, the way you say them helps guide how you write their ordinal form. “Thirtieth” clearly ends with “th,” not “st.”
Looking at Examples
Here’s a quick look at some correct uses:
- My mother’s birthday is 30th April.
- I have an appointment on the 30th of this month.
Understanding Patterns in Ordinal Numbers
Let’s talk about why we write “30th” and not “30st.” It’s about following patterns. For most numbers, you just add “th” at the end like 14th, 19th, and yes, also 30th. But, there are a few exceptions! For numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3, we write them as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively—unless they fall in the teens like 11th, 12th, and 13th.
Using these rules makes everything clearer and ensures you don’t confuse anyone. Imagine if you wrote “I’ll see you on the 21th of June”—it sounds strange, doesn’t it? By using “21st,” you make your meaning clear and keep your writing smooth.
Why Does It Matter?
Why bother about such small details? Well, writing things correctly makes your text look polished and professional. It shows that you pay attention to details, and when people read your writing, they can focus on your message, not your mistakes.
Think about invitations, announcements, or official documents. If these have errors, it could reflect badly on you or your event. Imagine getting a wedding invitation for the “30st of May.” It might make guests giggle a bit, and that’s probably not what you intend.
Making It Easier to Remember
How can you avoid mistakes? Think about saying the number out loud—“thirtieth.” That “th” at the end? That’s your clue. When you write the date, just match the ending. So, it’s not just about rules but about finding little tricks to make those rules easy to remember.
And here’s an idea! When you’re not sure, you could always write down the date in full. “The thirtieth of March” avoids the abbreviation altogether and still looks tidy on invitations or formal documents.
Final Thoughts
So next time you’re marking a calendar or scheduling an event, remember it’s “30th,” never “30st.” Keeping your writing neat and following these simple rules will help ensure your messages are clear and professional. Don’t let small mistakes distract from what you have to say. Are you ready to mark your calendars without any slip-ups now?
Think about this when you write your next invitation or announcement. Which will you use to impress your readers with your careful attention to detail? The simple answer: always choose the way that best matches the pronunciation. This way, your writing not only sounds right but looks right as well.
