13th or 13rd: Which One is Correct?
When it comes to writing dates, many people are often confused about whether to use 13th or 13rd. Is it a trivial matter, or is there a correct way to do it? In this article, we'll explore the rules and conventions surrounding ordinal numbers and provide a definitive answer.
What are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers are numbers that show the position or rank of something in a series. They are used to describe the order of items, events, or dates. Examples of ordinal numbers include 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so on.
The Rules of Ordinal Numbers
In English, ordinal numbers have specific rules for their formation. For numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3, we add -st, -nd, and -rd, respectively, to the cardinal number. For example:
- 1st (first)
- 2nd (second)
- 3rd (third)
For numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, we simply add -th to the cardinal number. For example:
- 4th (fourth)
- 5th (fifth)
- 6th (sixth)
The Case of 13th
Now, let's focus on the number 13. According to the rules, since 13 ends in 3, we should add -rd to form the ordinal number. However, this would result in 13rd, which looks and sounds awkward.
The correct answer is 13th. Yes, you read that right! Despite the rule stating that numbers ending in 3 should add -rd, there's an exception for numbers greater than 10. In this case, we add -th to 13 to form the ordinal number 13th.
Why the Exception?
The reason for this exception lies in the way English language has evolved. Historically, the Romans used a different system for ordinal numbers, which was later adopted into Old English. This system used -th for all ordinal numbers, including those ending in 1, 2, and 3. Over time, the rules were modified, but the exception for numbers greater than 10 remained.
In Conclusion
To answer the initial question: 13th is the correct form of the ordinal number. While it may seem counterintuitive, the rules of ordinal numbers have exceptions, and 13th is one of them. So, the next time you're writing a date or describing a position, remember to use 13th instead of 13rd.
By following the rules and understanding the exceptions, you'll be able to communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes in writing.
