When you have to write numbers in words and letters, knowing the correct suffix is super important. It can sometimes be tricky, especially with the many rules English has. Have you ever been stuck on deciding between "40st" and "40th"? Let’s settle this.
The correct form is 40th. In English, ordinal numbers (numbers showing order) end with th, st, nd, or rd, depending on the last digit of the number. For instance, 1st (first), 2nd (second), 3rd (third), and 4th (fourth). However, numbers ending in ‘0’ always use th, making it 40th, 50th, and so on.
This rule helps in writing dates, anniversaries, or places in a sequence correctly. For example, when writing about a 40th birthday or the 40th participant in a race, always use “40th.” This ensures clarity and correctness in communication.
What is a Suffix?
First, what is a suffix in the context of numbers? A suffix helps us talk about the order of things. For example, if you’re first in line, you say "1st", not just "1".
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
"40st" or "40th" are examples of ordinal numbers. They tell the position of something in a list. But which one is right?
The Rule for Ordinals
The key rule for forming ordinals is to think about the last digit of the number. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- If a number ends in 1 (except for 11), we use "st". For example, 21st, 31st.
- If it ends in 2 (except for 12), it’s "nd". Like 22nd, 92nd.
- If it ends in 3 (except for 13), it’s "rd". Hence 43rd, 103rd.
- For all other endings, "th" is used. This includes numbers like 4th, 5th, 11th, and indeed, 40th.
Why Not "40st"?
It might seem a bit confusing. What if it feels right to say "40st" since the digit 1 uses "st"? The rule overrides this feeling. Since 40 ends with a zero, the correct suffix is "th".
Let’s Clear It Up with Examples
To make this super clear, let’s look at more examples. Imagine a race. If you’re in 38th place, the person ahead of you is in 37th and the person behind is in 39th. Now, what about the person who comes right after 39? They would be 40th. Not 40st.
If your favorite snack was ranked in a survey, and it came right after the 39th snack, it wouldn’t be the "40st favorite" but "the 40th favorite". The same rule applies if you were to celebrate your birthday. When you turn 40, you would celebrate your 40th birthday. Not your 40st.
Common Mistakes
What can go wrong with these suffixes? Sometimes people forget the exceptions or apply the wrong suffix to the numbers ending in 0. How do you think it would sound if someone celebrated a "100nd" birthday? It’s clearly better off as a "100th" birthday!
Why is This Useful?
Why bother learning this, you might wonder! Well, knowing how to use numbers correctly shows attention to detail. It’s important in writing, especially for invitations, announcements, and academic papers. Wouldn’t you want everything to look just right?
Simple Rule of Thumb
Here’s a simple way to remember: If the number ends in 0, always say "th". That way, you won’t get mixed up.
So, when you think of positions, races, rankings, or celebrations, always check the last digit of the number. This little tip will help you choose the right suffix every time. And now you know, between "40st" and "40th", it’s always "40th". This simple rule helps keep your writing clear and correct.
By using these straightforward rules, you can avoid common mistakes and feel more confident in your writing and speaking. Remember, the little details can make a big difference in how polished your English sounds! So next time you’re writing or saying an ordinal number, what will you remember about the correct suffix to use?
