Understanding the correct form of ordinal numbers can sometimes be tricky, but it’s an important skill to master. When it comes to writing dates or putting things in order, knowing whether to write “7st” or “7th” can impact the clarity and correctness of your communication. Let’s get into it and unravel this together.
The correct form is 7th, not 7st. In English, ordinal numbers are used to show position or order. The ending of the ordinal number changes based on the last digit of the number. Numbers ending in 1 use ‘st’ (e.g., 1st, 21st), those ending in 2 use ‘nd’ (e.g., 2nd, 22nd), and those ending in 3 use ‘rd’ (e.g., 3rd, 23rd). All other numbers use ‘th’ (e.g., 4th, 5th, 6th).
For example, when talking about a king who was the seventh in a line, you would say “He was the 7th king,” not “the 7st king.” This rule helps keep the language clear and consistent.
What Are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers tell us about an item’s position in a sequence. Take, for instance, someone standing in line. You could say they are the first, second, third person, and so on. Specifically, they indicate order or rank.
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive straight into the numbers themselves, let’s simplify how ordinal numbers work. Think of your favorite sports team and how you celebrate their position at the end of the season. If they come in first, second, or third, you would say “1st,” “2nd,” or “3rd.”
The Case of “7st” vs. “7th”
Now, let’s talk about how numbers like seven turn into ordinals. Imagine you’re watching a race. As the racers cross the finish line, you note their positions. When you count up to seven, do you say “sevenst,” or does “seventh” sound more natural to you?
Breaking It Down
The suffix that ends the word tells us about the order. For single-digit numbers, “first” ends in “st,” “second” ends in “nd,” “third” ends in “rd,” and the rest up to ten end in “th.” So, when you’re discussing the seventh place, it becomes “7th.”
Why “7th” is Correct
Imagine you are filling balloons for a birthday party and numbering them. When you reach the seventh balloon, you wouldn’t write “7st” on it. Why? Because “st” is used for numbers ending in one, like “21st,” except when they are part of the numbers eleven through thirteen. Thus, “7th” is always the right choice.
Common Errors to Avoid
It’s easy to get confused with all the rules. Here are a few common mistakes:
– Using “st” after any number ending in seven (e.g., 7st, 17st, 27st).
– Forgetting to switch back to “th” after numbers that end in 11, 12, or 13 (e.g., 11st, 12nd, 13rd).
Examples in Action
To reinforce what we’ve learned, let’s see “7th” in different scenarios:
– My son’s team finished in the 7th position in the tournament.
– She celebrated her 7th birthday with a big cake.
– On my list of favorite movies, that one ranks 7th.
Tips for Remembering
Remembering this difference isn’t hard. Just think of adding “th” to most numbers. You can visualize your top ten favorite ice cream flavors. For each one beyond the third, you’ll naturally say “fourth,” “fifth,” “sixth” and so on.
Applying What We Know
You could see different applications of “7th” in calendars, sports rankings, or series in a book. Each of those uses helps to tell us about positions and sequences.
Wrap-Up and Practice
Always double-check what you write, especially if it feels even a bit off. Practice by lining up objects at home and labeling them: first, second, third, etc. When you get to seven, you’ll likely find that “7th” is the one that fits just right.
To simplify, think about ordinal numbers as your guide in a sequence. Once you understand where each suffix belongs, you’re far less likely to make mistakes. It becomes much like tying your shoelaces—do it enough times, and soon you won’t even have to think about which string goes where.
