When you’re writing or speaking, you might find yourself needing to refer to something that has a position or an order. It’s crucial to know how to do this accurately to make sure everyone understands exactly what you’re talking about. Have you ever wondered how to correctly write the suffix when you’re counting items, particularly with numbers like 72? Let’s clear up any confusion about it right here!
The correct form is 72nd. When writing ordinal numbers, you add -st, -nd, -rd, or -th to the base number based on the last digit, except for exceptions in the teens. For 72, the last digit is 2, so it’s 72nd. For example, when referring to a street, you would write “72nd Street”.
This rule helps in everyday situations like giving addresses, marking anniversaries, or placing in competitions. Knowing the correct form ensures clear communication and avoids confusion. For instance, saying “I live on 72nd Street” immediately informs others of the exact location without ambiguity.
What Are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers are numbers that represent position or rank in a sequential order. They help us to identify the order of items in a list or the sequence of events. For example, when you line up for a race, you are told what position you finish in – first, second, third, and so on.
When to Use -nd, -st, -rd, and -th
When it comes to writing ordinal numbers, most of them end in -th. However, there are exceptions! Numbers ending in 1 use -st (except when they end in 11), numbers ending in 2 use -nd (except when they end in 12), and numbers ending in 3 use -rd (except when they end in 13). Every other number follows the general rule and uses -th.
Look at these examples:
- First
- Second
- Third
- Fourth
- Fifth
… - Thirty-first
Notice something about how these suffixes work?
Common Errors with Ordinal Numbers
It’s pretty simple once you know the rule, but sometimes people still make mistakes. Misplacing or using incorrect suffixes can easily happen, especially with numbers that fall outside the more commonly used range. With larger numbers, mistakes become even more likely.
Here’s a real-world example:
Imagine you’re organizing a huge anniversary for your company – the 72nd anniversary. You need to make invitations, banners, and announcements. It’s crucial they are all correct to ensure all details are communicated clearly and professionally.
So, 72st or 72nd?
You know now that numbers ending in 2 generally take -nd unless it’s part of the teens. Therefore, for the number 72, which falls well outside the teen range, the correct suffix to use is -nd, making it 72nd.
Here’s how you’d use it:
"The company celebrated its 72nd anniversary!"
Why Does it Matter?
Might seem like a tiny detail right? But imagine saying or printing "72st anniversary" in your official documents. It might confuse people, or at the least, it looks quite unprofessional. In writing, small details can make a big difference in how your message is received.
Using ordinal numbers correctly not pretty just shows that you have a good grasp of language, but also that you pay attention to details. Isn’t it better when everything is spot on?
Making it Stick
Sometimes, learning through analogies helps. Think of ordinal numbers like the labels on the runners in a race. Just as each racer has a unique number and position, each event or item has its own place in order. Using the right ordinal number is like making sure every racer has the correct jersey—it just makes everything clearer and more organized.
Fun Practice
Here are a few exercises to help you understand better:
- What would be the ordinal form for 103?
- How would you write the 45th item in a list?
- Celebrating a 21st birthday or a 22nd birthday—see how suffix changes?
Remember, practice makes perfect!
Final Thoughts
Now that you know whether to use 72st or 72nd, you can go ahead and apply these principles to other numbers as well. It’s about matching the right ending to the right number and making sure your information is as clear and correct as possible. Isn’t it easy once you understand the rules?
Next time you’re writing an invitation or making an announcement, remember these simple tips about ordinal numbers. They will help you communicate more effectively, ensuring that everyone knows exactly what you mean. What other parts of grammar do you think are crucial for clear communication?
