When writing or speaking in English, we often have to describe the sequence of things, like who finished what place in a race or what anniversary it is. This is done by adding ordinal indicators to numbers. These little letters after the number—like the “st” in “1st” or the “nd” in “2nd”—help us understand the position or rank.
The correct form is 43rd. In English, ordinal numbers (numbers showing position or order) are written with letters added to the end of the cardinal number (the basic number). For numbers ending in 3, we add “rd,” making it “43rd.” Numbers ending in 1 use “st” (like 21st), numbers ending in 2 use “nd” (like 22nd), and most other numbers use “th” (like 44th).
For example, if you’re talking about someone’s 43rd birthday, you would say, “Today is her 43rd birthday.” This rule helps clarify the position or sequence in a clear and organized way, which is essential in both spoken and written communication.
Understanding Ordinal Indicators
Ordinal indicators are the small letters that come after numbers when we need to show the order of things. Numbers can sometimes be tricky, especially when it comes to writing them out with these indicators. It can be hard to remember which letters to use, and it’s important to get them right, so we are properly understood.
When to Use “th,” “st,” “nd,” and “rd”
Most numbers end with “th,” which makes life a little easier because it’s more common. For instance, we say 4th, 5th, 6th, etc. But there are exceptions, and that’s where you need to be careful!
- Use “st” with numbers ending in 1 (e.g., 1st, 21st, 31st).
- Use “nd” with numbers ending in 2 (e.g., 2nd, 22nd).
- Use “rd” with numbers ending in 3 (e.g., 3rd, 23rd).
- For most other numbers, we stick to “th” (e.g., 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th).
So, 43rd or 43th?
Think about how the number 43 ends. It ends in 3, right? What did we learn about numbers that end in 3? They take “rd” as their ordinal indicator. Therefore, the correct way to write it is 43rd.
Why Using the Correct Form Matters
You might wonder why such tiny letters are important. Well, they help make your speech and writing clear and correct, showing that you respect the rules of the language. Imagine you are in a competition and you tell someone you came “43th” instead of “43rd.” It might confuse them or make them think English isn’t a strength for you.
Examples in Sentences
Seeing how these forms are used in sentences can clear up a lot of confusion. Let’s look at some examples:
- He finished 43rd in the marathon, which was way better than last year.
- It’s my grandparent’s 43rd anniversary today.
- That building over there was ranked the 43rd tallest in the world.
Each of these examples shows how using “43rd” correctly places the emphasis on the exact position in a sequence, which helps in delivering precise information.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Sometimes people hear a bit of a “th” sound at the end when someone says “43rd,” and they think that means it should be written as “43th.” That’s an easy mistake to make, especially if English isn’t your first language. However, now you know it’s not correct. Always remember the basic rules of ordinal numbers we discussed.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Why not give it a try? Look around you for opportunities to use ordinal numbers. It could be during sports, noting ranks, or marking special dates. The more you use them, the easier it will become to remember the correct forms.
To Wrap Up
Remembering and using ordinal numbers properly will surely make your English clearer and more professional. It shows that you pay attention to the details of what you’re learning. Trying to write and speak correctly, you build good habits and others will likely understand you better. So next time you want to mark a position or sequence, don’t forget the proper use of ordinal indicators. Have you found this explanation helpful?
This might seem like a lot to keep in mind, but with a bit of practice, using numbers like 43rd becomes second nature. Think of it as a simple trick that once mastered, can make a big difference in how your communication is perceived.
Getting these small details right can greatly improve how you communicate in English. And who doesn’t want to make a good impression?
