The Confusion between 13th and 13rd
Have you ever wondered why we say "13th" instead of "13rd"? This is a common question that has puzzled many people, and the answer lies in the rules of English grammar.
The Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers are used to show the position or rank of something in a sequence. Examples of ordinal numbers include first, second, third, and so on. When we write ordinal numbers, we usually add a suffix to the cardinal number (the regular number). The suffixes used are:
- -st for numbers that end in 1 (except for 11th)
- -nd for numbers that end in 2
- -rd for numbers that end in 3
- -th for all other numbers
The Exception: 13th
So, why do we say "13th" instead of "13rd"? The answer is that the rule states that numbers that end in 3 should add the suffix "-rd", but there's an exception for the number 13. This is because the number 13 ends in 3, but it's not pronounced as "thirteen-erd". Instead, it's pronounced as "thirteen-th".
The reason for this exception is historical and dates back to the Old English and Middle English periods. During these times, the number 13 was considered an irregular number, and its ordinal form was influenced by the Old English and Middle English pronunciation.
Other Exceptions
There are a few other exceptions to the ordinal number rules:
- 11th (not 11st)
- 12th (not 12nd)
- 20th (not 20rd)
These exceptions are also historical and have been adopted into modern English grammar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reason we say "13th" instead of "13rd" is due to the historical and grammatical rules of the English language. While it may seem confusing, understanding the rules and exceptions of ordinal numbers can help you better understand the intricacies of the English language.
