When it comes to writing numbers and their corresponding suffixes in English, it might seem confusing at first. Have you ever wondered why we write “1st” instead of “1rd” or “1th”? It’s because English has specific rules for these situations.
The correct form is 4th. This is because ordinal numbers in English are formed by adding -th to the base number. However, there are exceptions with 1st (first), 2nd (second), and 3rd (third) due to historical reasons and pronunciation ease.
For example, when talking about your place in a line, you would say, “I am 4th in line,” not “I am 4nd in line.” The use of 4th helps clarify your exact position with correct grammatical form.
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
First, let’s understand what an ordinal number is. In simple terms, these are numbers that show the position or order of something in a sequence. For example, if you’re in a race, your finishing position—first, second, or third—is described using ordinal numbers.
Rules for Forming Ordinal Numbers
To form most ordinal numbers, you typically add th to the base cardinal number. For example, fifth (5th), sixth (6th), and seventh (7th). But, as with many English rules, there are exceptions that you need to know.
Exceptional Ordinal Numbers
Numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3 have unique endings, except when those endings are 11, 12, or 13. Let’s break it down:
- For numbers ending in 1 (except 11), we use “st” (e.g., 21st, 31st).
- For numbers ending in 2 (except 12), we use “nd” (e.g., 22nd, 42nd).
- For numbers ending in 3 (except 13), we use “rd” (e.g., 23rd, 33rd).
Special Mention: The Teens
Why do we treat 11, 12, and 13 differently? Think about how the number eleven sounds—it doesn’t end in a clear single digit like ‘one’ that would typically take ‘st’. Instead, it ends with ‘eleven’. This same pattern follows with twelve and thirteen, making them exceptions.
Getting into Specifics: 4th or 4nd
Using the rules we’ve discussed, let’s focus on the number 4. Following the basic rule where most numbers take th, it’s natural to think “4th” would be correct. But why not “4nd”? Let’s see why it wouldn’t fit.
Remember how numbers ending in 2 use “nd”? Numbers like 2nd, 22nd, and 42nd fit this pattern because they end with the numeral 2. The number 4 simply doesn’t meet this criteria.
Examples to Illustrate
Here are a few examples to help clarify why “4th” is preferred:
- When Jack finished fourth in his race, he was 4th, not 4nd.
- In a building, you might press a button for the 4th floor, not the 4nd floor.
- In a list of the best movies, the one ranked fourth should be placed as 4th, not 4nd.
What Could Go Wrong with Wrong Usage?
Using the wrong suffix might not just confuse the reader but also change the interpretation of the text. If you wrote “4nd”, some might pause to figure out what you meant or assume it’s a typo, which hampers clear communication.
Why Is This Important?
Understanding these small details in English helps you to communicate more effectively. Whether you’re writing an email, a report, or chatting with friends, using the correct forms shows attention to detail and respect for the language.
So next time when you’re about to write an ordinal number, pause a moment. Think about these rules. Does the number end in 1, 2, or 3? Is it an exception like 11, 12, or 13? Answering these can save you from common mistakes.
Final Thoughts
In summary, when you come across the number 4 in an ordinal format, remember the rule: most numbers default to “th”. Therefore, 4th is correct. It might seem like a small thing, but it’s these little details that help keep our communication clear and understood. Been using ordinal numbers without much thought? Now, you might look at them differently!
By ensuring you use “4th” instead of “4nd”, you’re keeping your English polished and precise. So, keep the rules in mind, and you’ll always make the right choice!
Do you see how much smoother your writing could be when you stick to these guidelines? It’s all about knowing the tricks to keep your English on point.