Ordinal numbers are an essential part of the English language, used to denote the position or order of something in a series. Whether you're writing a formal document or a simple email, knowing how to correctly write ordinal numbers is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the rules and provide examples to help you master the art of writing ordinal numbers.

What Are Ordinal Numbers?

Ordinal numbers are words that represent the order or position of something in a series. They indicate rank, sequence, or placement. Unlike cardinal numbers that indicate quantity, ordinal numbers provide a sense of order. For example, first, second, third, and so on.

Writing Ordinal Numbers

When writing ordinal numbers, there are a few key rules to keep in mind:

  • 1. Ordinal numbers from "one" to "twelfth" are generally written as separate words, except for "first," which is an exception.
  • 2. From "thirteen" onwards, ordinal numbers are formed by adding "th" to their cardinal counterparts. For example: thirteenth, fourteenth, twentieth, etc.
  • 3. Hyphens are used to connect the two words of compound ordinal numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine. For instance, twenty-first, fifty-second, ninety-ninth, etc.
  • 4. When expressing centuries, the ordinal number is written as a cardinal number followed by "th." For example: 21st century, 33rd century, etc.

Examples of Ordinal Numbers

Let's take a look at some examples to better understand how to write ordinal numbers:

  • 1st - first
  • 2nd - second
  • 3rd - third
  • 4th - fourth
  • 10th - tenth
  • 11th - eleventh
  • 12th - twelfth
  • 13th - thirteenth
  • 20th - twentieth
  • 21st - twenty-first
  • 22nd - twenty-second
  • 30th - thirtieth
  • 100th - hundredth
  • 101st - hundred first
  • 1000th - thousandth

Wrapping Up

Ordinal numbers play a vital role in English writing, bringing order and categorization. By following the rules outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently write ordinal numbers in any context. Remember to pay attention to exceptions, compound numbers, and the correct usage of hyphens. Practice using ordinal numbers in your daily writing to reinforce your understanding. With time, writing ordinal numbers will become second nature!

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
Quanto è stato utile questo articolo?
0Vota per primo questo articolo!