Ordinal numbers are an essential part of the English language. They help us show position, sequence, or rank, such as indicating the first day of the month, the second place in a competition, or the third chapter of a book. Whether you are learning English or looking to refine your writing skills, understanding how to write ordinal numbers correctly can make your communication clearer and more professional.
In this article, we’ll explore what ordinal numbers are, how to write them, common mistakes to avoid, and their practical applications in daily life.
Ordinal numbers are numbers that indicate the position or order of something in a list or sequence. They differ from cardinal numbers, which represent quantity (e.g., one, two, three). For example:
- Ordinal number: First, second, third.
- Cardinal number: One, two, three.
Ordinal numbers are used in various situations, such as dates, rankings, and steps in a process. Knowing how to write them correctly ensures your meaning is clear to your audience.
Difference Between Ordinal and Cardinal Numbers
Understanding the distinction between ordinal and cardinal numbers is key:
- Cardinal Numbers: These show “how many” (e.g., 1, 2, 3) and are used to count objects.
Example: “I have three apples.” - Ordinal Numbers: These show “position” or “order” (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd) and are used to indicate rank or sequence.
Example: “She finished in third place.”
Quick Tip:
Ordinal numbers often use suffixes such as -st, -nd, -rd, or -th, while cardinal numbers do not.
How to Write Ordinal Numbers
Writing Ordinal Numbers in Words
Writing Ordinal Numbers in Words
- 1st becomes first
- 2nd becomes second
- 3rd becomes third
- 4th becomes fourth
When writing ordinal numbers in words:
- Use lowercase letters in general writing (e.g., first, second).
- Capitalize them if they start a sentence (e.g., “First, complete the form.”).
Writing Ordinal Numbers in Numerical Form
- Add the appropriate suffix to the number:
- 1 → 1st (first)
- 2 → 2nd (second)
- 3 → 3rd (third)
- 4 → 4th (fourth)
Common Rules and Conventions
- For numbers ending in 1 (except 11), use -st: 21st, 31st.
- For numbers ending in 2 (except 12), use -nd: 22nd, 32nd.
- For numbers ending in 3 (except 13), use -rd: 23rd, 33rd.
- For all other numbers, including those ending in 11, 12, and 13, use -th: 11th, 12th, 13th.
When to Use Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers appear in many contexts. Here are the most common uses:
Dates
- “Today is March 1st.”
- “We’ll meet on the 15th of June.”
Rankings and Positions
- “She came in 2nd place.”
- “This is the 5th time I’ve visited this city.”
Other Contexts
- Fractions: “One-fourth of the cake was eaten.”
- Floors in a Building: “He lives on the 10th floor.”
- Anniversaries: “It’s their 25th wedding anniversary.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Ordinal Numbers
Even native English speakers sometimes make mistakes with ordinal numbers. Here are some errors to watch out for:
- Incorrect Suffix Placement:
- Incorrect: 1th, 2th, 3th.
- Correct: 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
- Overusing Ordinal Numbers:
- Avoid using ordinal numbers unnecessarily in dates (e.g., “June 1st” is correct, but “June 1th” is not).
- Mixing Words and Numbers:
- Incorrect: 1st place winner was second in another competition.
- Correct: The 1st place winner came second in another competition.
Tips for Writing Ordinal Numbers Clearly
To write ordinal numbers effectively, follow these guidelines:
Consistency
- Stick to one format—either words or numbers—throughout your document.
Context Matters
- In formal writing, spell out ordinal numbers under 10 (e.g., “third” instead of “3rd”). For larger numbers, numerals are acceptable.
Use in Headings
- Capitalize ordinal numbers when used in titles or headings.
Example: “5th Annual Science Fair.”
Examples of Ordinal Numbers in Sentences
Here are some examples of ordinal numbers used correctly in sentences:
- “This is my first time visiting Paris.”
- “The 100th episode of the show aired last night.”
- “She won 2nd place in the competition.”
- “Please read the instructions on the 3rd page.”
Fun Facts About Ordinal Numbers
- Historical Origin: The suffixes for ordinal numbers (-st, -nd, -rd, -th) originated from Old English.
- Ordinal Numbers in Different Languages: In Spanish, ordinal numbers like “primero” (first) and “segundo” (second) are commonly used.
- Unique Usage: In some cultures, ordinal numbers are used for naming monarchs, such as Henry VIII (Henry the Eighth).
FAQs About Ordinal Numbers
What are the suffixes for ordinal numbers in English?
The suffixes are:
- -st for numbers ending in 1 (e.g., 1st, 21st).
- -nd for numbers ending in 2 (e.g., 2nd, 22nd).
- -rd for numbers ending in 3 (e.g., 3rd, 23rd).
- -th for all other numbers (e.g., 4th, 11th, 13th).
Are ordinal numbers used in technical writing?
Yes, ordinal numbers are used in technical writing, especially in lists, steps, and instructions.
What is the difference between ordinal and cardinal numbers?
Cardinal numbers represent quantity (e.g., 1, 2, 3), while ordinal numbers show position or order (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd).
Conclusion: Mastering Ordinal Numbers
Understanding ordinal numbers and how to use them correctly is essential for clear and accurate communication. From dates and rankings to steps in a process, ordinal numbers play a crucial role in both casual and professional writing. By learning the rules and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently incorporate ordinal numbers into your writing.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Start using ordinal numbers in your daily writing, and soon it will become second nature.
I hope this article helped you learn what ordinal numbers are, and how to write them correctly.
If you liked it, please subscribe to our newsletter for more articles on grammar, vocabulary, and language learning.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates.