Have you ever seen numbers followed by “st” “nd”, “rd”, or “th” and wondered why certain endings are used? When we write numbers like 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, things seem straightforward. But it can be quite puzzling to know when to use these endings correctly, especially with larger numbers. Let’s simplify this!
The correct form is 62nd. When forming ordinals in English, numbers ending in 2 typically take the suffix “-nd” (second, 22nd, 62nd). Numbers ending in 1 use “-st” (first, 21st, 101st), and those ending in 3 use “-rd” (third, 23rd, 103rd). All other numbers use “-th” (fifth, 11th, 100th).
For example, if you are talking about a position in a race, you would say, “He finished 62nd,” not “62th.” This rule helps keep your communication clear and professional.
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
An ordinal number tells the position of something in a list. Think of it like telling your friend what place you finished in during a race. The endings (“st”, “nd”, “rd”, and “th”) help explain the order.
When to Use “nd”
The suffix “nd” is used when a number ends in 2. The best way to remember this is by thinking about the number itself. Can you see the number 2 at the end? A good example is 42. Since it ends in 2, you would say 42nd. Another example is 92nd because, again, the number ends with 2.
Special Rules for Numbers Ending in 11, 12, 13
However, there’s a tricky part! For numbers like 11, 12, and 13, even though 12 ends with 2, it is not written as 12nd. Instead, we say 12th. This is an exception to our rule because these particular numbers always end with “th.” It’s kind of like those special cases in spelling where “i” comes before “e” except after “c”. Weird, but it’s the rule!
Why “62nd” is Correct
So, consider the number 62. It ends with the digit 2. Following our rule, this means it should be written as 62nd. If we think about numbers that behave similarly, like 32 or even 102, they follow the same pattern: 32nd and 102nd.
Why not ’62th’?
Consistency Through Complexity
Why do we need these special rules? Well, it’s all about making things clear and consistent. Imagine if every number had the same ending. Saying “I finished 1th” or “It’s my 21th birthday” just sounds wrong, doesn’t it?
This system helps keep our communication clear. Using the correct form, like 62nd, helps everyone understand exactly what we mean without having to guess or feel confused.
Examples of Using Ordinal Numbers
- She celebrated her 21st birthday last week.
- He finished in 10th place at the marathon.
- I live on the 7th floor of my building.
- Their team ranked 15th in the championship.
In each of these examples, the endings change to match the number. It helps keep everything sounding right.
Practice Makes Perfect
How about trying some yourself? What would you say if you were talking about the number 44 in a list? If you guessed 44th, you’re right! It’s all about seeing the number and matching the ending.
Final Thoughts
It might feel overwhelming at first to remember all these rules, but like any part of language, practice helps! Once you start noticing how these numbers are used in everyday life, from streets to stories, it will start to feel natural. So, next time you write a date or talk about a place in line, remember these little rules to keep your numbers looking and sounding perfect.
FAQ on Numbers
What if a number is really big?
Even if numbers get into the hundreds or thousands, the rule stays the same. Look at the last two digits and use the rules we discussed. It’s that simple – no matter how big the number is.
Can I just use “th” for all numbers?
You might be tempted, but it would lead to mistakes. It’s important to stick to the rules to ensure clarity and correctness. Plus, it’s a great way to show your attention to detail!
hite messages and details!
### hant to remember about English is that it’s all about communication. By using the right forms, we help each other understand more clearly and quickly. While it might take a little practice, knowing how to write ordinal numbers correctly is a great skill that will help you in everyday life>
