11th vs 11st: Which is Correct?
When it comes to writing dates or referring to a specific sequence, we often encounter the question of whether to use "11th" or "11st". Both forms are commonly used, but which one is correct?
The Basics
In English, when we write dates, we usually use ordinal numbers to indicate the day of the month. For example, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so on. However, when it comes to 11, there seems to be a discrepancy.
11th: The More Common Form
The more commonly used form is "11th". This is because "th" is the standard suffix used for ordinal numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3, except for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. For example:
- 4th, 5th, 6th, ...
- 11th, 12th, 13th, ...
Using "11th" is widely accepted and used in many contexts, including formal writing, dates, and times.
11st: The Less Common Form
On the other hand, "11st" is also used, although less frequently. This form is more commonly seen in informal writing, such as social media or text messages. Some people argue that since "1st" and "21st" use "st", then "11st" should be used consistently.
However, most style guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook, recommend using "11th" instead of "11st".
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both "11th" and "11st" are used, "11th" is the more commonly accepted and widely used form. If you're writing for formal purposes or need to follow a specific style guide, it's safer to use "11th". However, in informal contexts, "11st" may be seen, although it's not as widely accepted.
