When you’re learning English, the order and structure of words and numbers can sometimes feel like a tricky puzzle. Have you ever wondered how to correctly write ordinal numbers in English? Let’s look at how we transform numbers into their ordinal forms, which denote their position in a series, and solve some typical confusion around them.
The correct form is 3rd. This is because ordinal numbers in English are formed by adding specific suffixes to the cardinal number. For single-digit numbers, the suffixes are unique: ‘1st’ for first, ‘2nd’ for second, and ‘3rd’ for third. After third, most numbers use the suffix ‘th,’ making it ‘4th,’ ‘5th,’ and so on.
Let’s look at a practical example: When talking about dates, you would say, “Today is March 3rd.” This shows how the correct form, ‘3rd,’ is used to denote the position of the date within the month. Using ‘3th’ would be grammatically incorrect and could confuse the listener or reader.
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers tell the position of something in a series, like first, second, or third. Imagine you’re in a line at a store. The person at the front is first, the next person is second, and you might be third. These numbers help us understand order.
Forming Ordinals from Cardinals
Most ordinal numbers end in “th” like fourth, fifth, and sixth. However, there are exceptions. Think of your fingers. If you hold up one finger, that’s the first finger. Two fingers, and the second is up. Three fingers, now the third is up. These exceptions are what often cause misunderstandals.
The Confusion: “3rd” or “3th”?
Why do we say “third” and not “threeth”? It’s simply a rule. The words “third”, “second”, and “first” are unique because they come from older forms in the English language that have stayed irregular over time. Just like “mouse” becomes “mice”, “three” becomes “third” when we’re talking about order.
Let’s break it down with an example. Imagine you are handing out medals in a race. The first person gets a gold medal, the second gets silver, and the third? They get a bronze. Notice how naturally “third” sounds compared to “threeth” for that bronze medalist!
Why Not Use “3th”?
The use of “3rd” comes from an old tradition of English spelling, where the “ir” in the middle of “third” hints at its position. “3th” could confuse readers and listeners, as it sounds like an error. It doesn’t fit what we expect in English.
Examples of Ordinal Numbers in Use
Think about when you watch a race or competition. The commentator often says things like:
- She finished in first place.
- He jumped from fifth to third.
- They celebrated their tenth anniversary.
In each case, the ordinal number helps us quickly understand the position without needing more explanation.
Practical Everyday Use
Ordinal numbers crop up in everyday situations. Think about dates. When is your birthday? Most people would say, “It’s on the twenty-third of June.” Or maybe, “the first of December.” Here, these ordinals help specify an exact day.
Or perhaps you’re watching your favorite TV show. You might say, “I’m on the third episode of the season.” Here, “third” helps whoever you’re talking to understand exactly how far you’ve progressed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A lot of learners mix up when to use “nd”, “rd”, “th”. Here’s a quick tip:
- Numbers ending in 1 (except 11) use “st” (e.g., 21st).
- Numbers ending in 2 (except 12) use “nd” (e.g., 22nd).
- Numbers ending in 3 (except 13) use “rd” (e.g., 23rd).
- All other numbers use “th” (e.g., 24th, 25th).
If you’re ever unsure, talking it through can help. Say it out loud — does “twenty-threeth” sound odd to you? If it does, that’s because “twenty-third” is the correct form!
Conclusion
In the end, knowing these rules not only helps you write and speak more clearly but also makes sure others understand you better. Next time you’re about to use an ordinal number, remember this simple guide. Trust me, practicing it makes perfect. Why not give it a go today?
