Ordinal Numbers: Understanding 11st, 12nd, and 13rd
Ordinal numbers are used to describe the position or rank of an item in a sequence. They are commonly used in everyday life, such as in dates, rankings, and lists. However, there is a common confusion when it comes to writing ordinal numbers for 11, 12, and 13.
Understanding the Rules
In English, ordinal numbers are formed by adding a suffix to the cardinal number. The suffixes used are:
- st for numbers ending in 1 (except for 11)
- nd for numbers ending in 2 (except for 12)
- rd for numbers ending in 3 (except for 13)
- th for all other numbers
The Confusion: 11st, 12nd, and 13rd
Now, let's get to the main issue. Why do we not write 11st, 12nd, and 13rd?
The answer lies in the historical development of English ordinal numbers. The suffixes st, nd, and rd come from Old English and Middle English. For numbers ending in 1, 2, and 3, the suffixes were added directly to the number, resulting in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
However, when it comes to 11, 12, and 13, the situation is different. These numbers have a different etymology, and the suffixes st, nd, and rd are not added directly. Instead, the correct forms are:
- 11th (not 11st)
- 12th (not 12nd)
- 13th (not 13rd)
Practice Makes Perfect
To avoid confusion, it's essential to practice writing ordinal numbers correctly. Here are some examples to help you:
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, ...
- 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, ...
By following these rules and practices, you'll become more confident in writing ordinal numbers, including 11th, 12th, and 13th.
