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How to Write Ordinal Numbers Correctly: A Simple Guide

Ordinal numbers indicate the position or order of something in a list, such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and so on. They differ from cardinal numbers, which are used to count (e.g., one, two, three). Correctly writing ordinal numbers is important in both formal and informal writing, as it ensures clarity and professionalism. Here’s a guide on how to write ordinal numbers correctly in various contexts:

1. Understanding Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers represent rank or sequence, answering the question “Which one?” rather than “How many?” Examples include:

• First (1st)
• Second (2nd)
• Third (3rd)
• Fourth (4th)
• Fifth (5th)

These numbers can appear as words or figures, depending on the formality of the text.

2. Writing Ordinal Numbers in Words

In formal writing, ordinal numbers are often written as words, especially for numbers up to one hundred. This is common in academic papers, legal documents, or literature.

Examples:

• First place in the competition went to Sarah.
• He celebrated his twenty-fifth birthday with friends.
• The project is due on the fourteenth of May.

For larger numbers, it’s common to write them as numerals unless clarity requires otherwise, such as:

• He finished in 101st place in the marathon.

3. Writing Ordinal Numbers in Figures

For most informal writing or situations where brevity is important, ordinal numbers can be written in figures with the appropriate suffix:

• 1st (first)
• 2nd (second)
• 3rd (third)
• 4th (fourth), and so on.

Always add the correct two-letter suffix to the number:

• For numbers ending in 1, use st (1st, 21st, 101st).
• For numbers ending in 2, use nd (2nd, 22nd, 102nd).
• For numbers ending in 3, use rd (3rd, 23rd, 103rd).
• For numbers ending in 4 through 9 or 0, use th (4th, 11th, 12th, 20th, 25th, 100th).

4. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

It’s easy to make small errors when writing ordinal numbers. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes:

• Don’t forget the suffix: Make sure to add the correct suffix to the numeral (e.g., 5th instead of 5).
• Watch out for exceptions: Numbers like 11, 12, and 13, although ending in 1, 2, and 3, take the th suffix (11th, 12th, 13th) due to their unique place in the sequence.
• Use hyphens when necessary: When writing ordinal numbers as compound adjectives, use a hyphen (e.g., “The thirty-second chapter was the longest”).

5. Ordinal Numbers in Dates

When writing dates in English, ordinal numbers are used in spoken form but are often written in numeral form:

• August 15th is commonly written as August 15.
• In British English, ordinal numbers are often used in both writing and speech: 15th August.

However, for formal invitations or historical events, you might see dates written with ordinal numbers spelled out: July Fourth, 1776 or the Fourth of July.

6. Using Ordinal Numbers in Lists

Ordinal numbers are frequently used in lists to show sequence or ranking:

• First, choose a topic for your essay.
• Second, gather your research materials.
• Third, start writing your introduction.

In these cases, the ordinal number is always written in word form.

7. Ordinal Numbers in Abbreviations

In some situations, ordinal numbers appear in abbreviations or symbols:

• 1st for first, 2nd for second, and 3rd for third.
• In measurements or data, ordinal numbers might appear as part of charts or rankings (e.g., “1st quarter results”).

8. Capitalization of Ordinal Numbers

In most cases, ordinal numbers follow regular capitalization rules:

• If the ordinal number begins a sentence, capitalize it: Twenty-fifth on the list is the most important rule.
• If the ordinal number is in the middle of a sentence, it remains lowercase: We were the fourth group to arrive.

Conclusion

Writing ordinal numbers correctly ensures that your writing is clear, professional, and easy to understand. Whether you’re using figures with suffixes or spelling them out in words, consistency is key. By following these simple rules, you can avoid common mistakes and present information in an organized and polished manner.