When you’re writing numbers in words, especially those big ones like 70, 80, or 90, it might get a bit tricky adding the correct ending. Have you ever stopped and wondered if you should write ’70th’ or ’70nd’? It’s easy to make a mistake, but no worries, we all sometimes struggle to remember.
The correct form is 70th. In English, ordinal numbers (which tell the position of something in a list) are formed by adding -th to the base number. However, there are a few exceptions like 1st (first), 2nd (second), and 3rd (third). Numbers that end in zero always use -th, making 70th the correct usage.
For example, if you are celebrating a birthday for someone turning seventy, you would say, “This is my grandmother’s 70th birthday.” This shows the practical significance of using the correct ordinal form.
Understanding the basics
The suffixes -st, -nd, -rd, or -th are used to turn numbers into ordinals, which tell us the position of something in a list. Think of being in line at your favorite cafe. Are you the first, second, third, or maybe the 42nd? Now, to do this with any number, you have to look at the last digit.
So, let’s break it down:
- If a number ends in 1, like 21, you add -st, making it 21st.
- For numbers ending in 2, like 32, it turns into 32nd.
- When a number ends in 3, for example, 53, it’s written as 53rd.
- All other numbers ending in 4-9 or 0 are treated with -th, like 24th or 70th.
Our original dilemma
The correct form is ’70th’. Why? Because 70 ends with a zero, and zero dictates that we must use -th. Simple, right?
To give you better clarity, here’s a list you might find handy:
- 1st (First)
- 5th (Fifth)
- 13th (Thirteenth)
- 20th (Twentieth)
- 29th (Twenty-ninth)
- 34th (Thirty-fourth)
- 47th (Forty-seventh)
- 52nd (Fifty-second)
- 66th (Sixty-sixth)
- 78th (Seventy-eighth)
You might notice that 11, 12, and 13 are exceptions. Although they end in 1, 2, and 3, we say 11th, 12th, and 13th instead of 11st, 12nd, and 13rd. Odd, isn’t it? It’s like English has a little quirk here just to keep you on your toes!
Why does this all matter?
Well, using the correct form of numbers when writing is crucial. It ensures that your message is clear and that you’re seen as someone who pays attention to details. Imagine you’re inviting people to your 70th birthday party. Sending invites saying, “Celebrate my 70nd birthday!” might confuse your guests or give them a little chuckle.
Let’s practice with some sentences:
- Are you celebrating your 70th birthday soon?
- He finished in 70th place in the marathon.
- Her grandmother is celebrating her 90th anniversary.
What about dates and anniversaries?
It works the same way! Whether it’s the 100th anniversary of a historical event or the 25th annual festival, always look at that last number to figure out the correct ending.
Why not try creating a few examples of your own? Think about big events, personal milestones, or even future goals. Write down what ordinal number they would be. It’s a fantastic way to practice.
Remember, when in doubt, look at the final digit of the number and refer to the simple rules we discussed. Once you’ve got the hang of this, writing numbers in their correct form will be a breeze, and you’ll feel more confident in your writing. Keep practicing, and soon, choosing between ’70th’ and ’70’nd will feel as natural as breathing.
