Understanding the Difference between 12nd and 12th
When it comes to writing dates and ordinal numbers, many people often get confused between 12nd and 12th. Although they may look similar, these two notations have different meanings and uses.
What is 12nd?
12nd is not a commonly used or accepted notation in English language. In fact, it is considered an error. The correct way to write the ordinal number "twelfth" is 12th.
What is 12th?
On the other hand, 12th is the correct notation for the ordinal number "twelfth". It is used to describe the position of something in a sequence, such as a date, a ranking, or a list. For example:
- December 12th, 2022
- She finished 12th in the marathon
- The 12th item on the list is a book
Why is 12th used instead of 12nd?
The reason why 12th is used instead of 12nd is due to the way ordinal numbers are formed in English language. Ordinal numbers are formed by adding -st, -nd, -rd, or -th to the cardinal number. For numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3, except for numbers ending in 11, 12, or 13, the ordinal suffix is -st, -nd, or -rd, respectively.
- 1st, 21st, 31st (numbers ending in 1)
- 2nd, 22nd, 32nd (numbers ending in 2)
- 3rd, 23rd, 33rd (numbers ending in 3)
However, for numbers ending in 11, 12, or 13, the ordinal suffix is -th.
- 11th, 12th, 13th
Therefore, the correct notation for the ordinal number "twelfth" is 12th, not 12nd.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 12nd is an error and should be avoided in writing. The correct notation for the ordinal number "twelfth" is 12th. Understanding the difference between these two notations is essential for clear and accurate communication in writing.
