When we talk about writing dates or naming the order of things, it can be tricky. Have you ever wondered about the correct way to express numbers in words, especially when they come with a suffix, like "st", "nd", "rd", or "th"? Let’s say you’re telling a friend about which floor you live on or which position you finished in a race. Getting the number right is easy, but what about the word that comes after the number?
The correct form is 33rd. In English, the suffixes for ordinal numbers (which show order or position) depend on the last digit of the number. For numbers ending in 3, the suffix is ‘rd’, making it ’33rd’. However, ‘st’ is used with numbers ending in 1, such as 21st.
For example, when talking about birthdays, you would say, “My sister’s 33rd birthday is next month.” This shows the correct use of ’33rd’ as an ordinal number indicating sequence.
When to Use Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers tell the position of something in a list. They are different from cardinal numbers that show quantity. For example, when you say, "I finished first," "first" is an ordinal number. It shows your position.
How to Form Ordinal Numbers:
It’s actually simpler than you think. For most numbers, you just add “th” at the end. But of course, there are always a few exceptions to the rule. If a number ends in 1, you add “st”, like 21st or 31st. If it ends in 2, you add “nd”, like 22nd. And if it ends in 3, you add “rd”, like 23rd. But even in these exceptions, there are further exceptions! If a number ends in 11, 12, or 13, we still use “th” (such as 11th, 12th, and 13th).
Now, come numbers like 33. You might feel confused. Should you say "33st" because the last digit is a 3? Not quite!
The Right Way for “33”
The correct way is “33rd”. Why do we say "33rd" and not "33st"? It’s because we need to consider the full number, not just the last digit. Anytime a number ends in 3, we usually add “rd” at the end, making it “third”. So when we’re at 33, the rule doesn’t change – it becomes “33rd”.
Here, Let Me Show You Some More Examples:
- 1st (first)
- 2nd (second)
- 3rd (third)
- 4th (fourth)… and so on until
- 20th (twentieth),
- 21st (twenty-first),
- 22nd (twenty-second),
- 23rd (twenty-third),
- 24th (twenty-fourth)… this pattern repeats.
So as you can see, "33rd" fits right into the established pattern we use for forming ordinals.
Why Does “33rd” Matter?
Imagine you’re organizing a marathon. You need to announce who came in at certain positions. Getting the ordinals right not only helps keep the communication clear but also respects the achievements of the participants. Saying “33st” might confuse participants and spectators alike – it sounds off, doesn’t it?
Practical Tips
When you’re writing dates or numbering things in a sequence, like steps in instructions, using the correct ordinal form makes your writing clearer. Think of writing invitations, or when you celebrate an anniversary. Saying “33rd anniversary” shows attention to detail and proper use of language.
What if You’re Not Sure?
If ever in doubt about how to form an ordinal number, look it up. It’s always better to double-check than to make a simple mistake. Or, think about the number at the end – if it’s 1, 2, or 3 (unless followed by 11, 12, or 13), remember "st", "nd", "rd". Otherwise, it’s safe to stick with "th".
Understanding and using ordinal numbers correctly might seem like a small thing. But, believe it or her or not, it’s a great way to polish your communication skills. Whether you’re speaking or writing, knowing these little details can help make sure that your message comes across clearly and correctly.
The next time you find yourself needing to use numbers in this way, take a moment to consider the rules. It’s a bit like cooking; using the right ingredients (in this case, suffixes) can turn a good sentence into a great one. Who wouldn’t want that?
