Rules and Examples for Writing Ordinal Numbers in Words and Figures
Learning how to write ordinal numbers correctly is essential for clear English communication. Ordinal numbers help us show order, ranking, and position in sequences, which appear often in school exams, daily writing, and even spoken English. Mastering these will help you avoid common mistakes and score better in competitive exams.
| Type | Form | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinal Number (Word) | first, second, third, fourth, etc. | first prize | She won the first prize. |
| Ordinal Number (Number + Suffix) | 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. | 2nd place | He finished 2nd in the race. |
| Cardinal Number | one, two, three, etc. | three apples | I ate three apples. |
What Are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers are words or numbers that show the position or order of things in a list, sequence, or rank. Examples include “first,” “second,” or “3rd.” They help explain the order of events, people, places, and more in English sentences.
Ordinal Numbers vs. Cardinal Numbers
It’s easy to confuse ordinal and cardinal numbers, but they have different purposes. Cardinal numbers count (one, two, three), while ordinal numbers show order (first, second, third).
| Type | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Numbers | one, two, 3, 15 | The actual quantity |
| Ordinal Numbers | first, second, 3rd, 15th | Position in a sequence |
Ordinal Numbers List (1–20)
Here is a list of ordinal numbers and their correct forms. This helps you check spelling and suffixes quickly during homework or tests.
| Number | Ordinal (Word) | Ordinal (Number + Suffix) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | first | 1st |
| 2 | second | 2nd |
| 3 | third | 3rd |
| 4 | fourth | 4th |
| 5 | fifth | 5th |
| 6 | sixth | 6th |
| 7 | seventh | 7th |
| 8 | eighth | 8th |
| 9 | ninth | 9th |
| 10 | tenth | 10th |
| 11 | eleventh | 11th |
| 12 | twelfth | 12th |
| 13 | thirteenth | 13th |
| 14 | fourteenth | 14th |
| 15 | fifteenth | 15th |
| 16 | sixteenth | 16th |
| 17 | seventeenth | 17th |
| 18 | eighteenth | 18th |
| 19 | nineteenth | 19th |
| 20 | twentieth | 20th |
Rules for Writing Ordinal Numbers Correctly
Follow these steps to use ordinal number suffixes and avoid common spelling errors.
- Numbers ending in 1 use "-st" (1st, 21st), except 11 (11th).
- Numbers ending in 2 use "-nd" (2nd, 32nd), except 12 (12th).
- Numbers ending in 3 use "-rd" (3rd, 23rd), except 13 (13th).
- All other endings use "-th" (4th, 5th, 20th).
- Compound numbers (above 20) are hyphenated: twenty-first (21st).
- Some spellings change: five → fifth, nine → ninth, twelve → twelfth.
Using Ordinal Numbers in Sentences and Dates
Ordinal numbers often appear in dates, rankings, addresses, and instructions. Below are some example sentences and date usages to help you.
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Ranking | She finished 2nd in the race. |
| Date (spoken) | My birthday is on the 5th of April. |
| Date (written, formal) | April 5 |
| Instructions | Take the third left at the crossing. |
| Anniversaries/Centenaries | We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. |
| Academic Years | She is in her second year at school. |
Common Mistakes and Confusing Ordinals
Students often make mistakes with special suffixes and irregular spelling. Here’s how to avoid them:
- It's 21st, not 21th. Always use -st for numbers ending with 1 except 11.
- Use 3rd for 3, 23rd, but 13th for 13.
- 12 is twelfth (not "twelveth"), and 9 is ninth (not "nineth").
- For dates, use ordinal numbers only when the day comes before the month: "the 4th of July" or "4th July," but write "July 4" without the suffix in formal contexts.
- Hyphenate compound ordinals: twenty-second, thirty-first, etc.
Quick Practice: Fill in the Blanks
Try these practice questions to test your understanding of ordinal numbers:
- May is the _______ month of the year. (5th/fifth)
- She stood _______ in line. (2nd/second)
- My birthday is on the _______ of December. (12th/twelfth)
- He won the _______ prize in the contest. (1st/first)
- Ravi was _______ to solve the puzzle. (3rd/third)
For more on sentence order, try Order of Words in a Sentence. For basic grammar, visit Basics of Grammar.
At Vedantu, we make grammar topics like ordinal numbers simple and easy to memorize. Mastering ordinal numbers supports your exam preparation, daily communication, and advanced writing. Use this page for quick review, and remember to check spelling and suffixes carefully. Strong basics here help you succeed in every area of English.
FAQs on How to Write Ordinal Numbers in English the Right Way
1. What are ordinal numbers in English?
Ordinal numbers are numbers that show the position or order of something in a sequence. They answer the question “Which one?” rather than “How many?”
- Examples: first (1st), second (2nd), third (3rd), fourth (4th)
- Example sentence: She finished in first place.
- They are commonly used in dates, rankings, and sequences.
2. How do you write ordinal numbers correctly in English?
To write ordinal numbers correctly, add the appropriate suffix to the base number: -st, -nd, -rd, or -th. The suffix depends on the final digit of the number.
- 1 → 1st
- 2 → 2nd
- 3 → 3rd
- 4 → 4th
- Most other numbers take -th (5th, 6th, 7th, etc.).
3. What are the rules for ordinal number suffixes (st, nd, rd, th)?
Ordinal number suffixes depend on the last digit of the number, except for special teen endings. Follow these rules:
- Numbers ending in 1 → -st (21st, 31st)
- Numbers ending in 2 → -nd (22nd, 42nd)
- Numbers ending in 3 → -rd (23rd, 53rd)
- All other numbers → -th (4th, 5th, 6th)
- Exception: 11, 12, and 13 always use -th (11th, 12th, 13th).
4. Why do 11th, 12th, and 13th use “th” instead of “st,” “nd,” or “rd”?
The numbers 11, 12, and 13 use -th because they follow a special pronunciation pattern in English. Even though they end in 1, 2, and 3, the teen forms (eleven, twelve, thirteen) override the usual suffix rule.
- Correct forms: 11th, 12th, 13th
- This exception applies to all numbers ending in 11, 12, or 13 (e.g., 111th).
5. How do you write ordinal numbers in words?
To write ordinal numbers in words, use their special ordinal forms instead of adding a suffix. Many forms change spelling.
- 1 → first
- 2 → second
- 3 → third
- 5 → fifth
- 9 → ninth
6. What is the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers?
The difference is that cardinal numbers show quantity, while ordinal numbers show position or order. Cardinal numbers answer “How many?” and ordinal numbers answer “Which one?”
- Cardinal: I have three books.
- Ordinal: This is my third book.
7. How are ordinal numbers used in dates?
Ordinal numbers are used in dates to show the day of the month. In writing, the suffix is often included in informal contexts.
- Written: June 5th, 2026
- Formal writing often omits the suffix: 5 June 2026
- Spoken form: the fifth of June
8. Should ordinal numbers be written in superscript (1st, 2nd, 3rd)?
Ordinal suffixes can be written in superscript, but it is not grammatically required. Both standard and superscript forms are correct.
- Standard: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
- Superscript style: 1st, 2nd
- Formal academic writing usually keeps the suffix in normal text.
9. What are common mistakes when writing ordinal numbers?
Common mistakes include using the wrong suffix or forgetting irregular spellings. Avoid these frequent errors:
- Writing 21th instead of 21st
- Writing 12nd instead of 12th
- Misspelling fifth as “fiveth”
- Misspelling ninth as “nineth”
10. Can you give examples of ordinal numbers in sentences?
Ordinal numbers are used in sentences to show rank, sequence, dates, and order. Here are clear examples:
- She won the second prize.
- This is my first visit to London.
- He lives on the tenth floor.
- Today is the twenty-third of April.
