Definition spelling rules and examples of ordinal numbers 1 to 20
The numbers that describe the positions of objects are known as ordinal numbers. Children learn to count from one to ten very quickly, and maybe they know the numbers from twenty-one to thirty also. But what are ordinal numbers? Ordinal numbers allow us to answer questions like "what is the 5th number in the set of numbers one through ten?" or "which number is greater: 7 or 14?"
Ordinal Numbers 1 to 20
If the number of things or people is given as a list, ordinal numbers are used to determine the order of the items or people. First - First, Second - Second, Third - Third, Fourth - Fourth, Fifth - Fifth, Sixth - Sixth, and so on are the adjective phrases that are used to express the order of something or someone. These phrases all refer to ordinal numbers examples. While the counting numbers, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, are known as cardinal numbers. So as of now, we have seen the ordinal position definition and some examples based on the ordinal position definition. Now let’s see it in detail.
What are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal Numbers
An ordinal number, such as first, second, third, and so on, represents the place or order of something about other numbers. The size, importance, or any other chronology may determine the order or sequence.
Let's use an example to better understand ordinal numbers. Ten students took part in the competition. Out of these, the first, second, and third place winners each received a medal and were recognized. First, second, and third are ordinal numbers in this instance.
Difference Between Cardinal, Nominal, and Ordinal Numbers
Difference Between Cardinal, Nominal, and Ordinal Numbers
In addition to ordinal numbers, there are two other sorts of numbers that can be used to represent things or persons.
Cardinal Numbers
Nominal Numbers
Cardinal Numbers: Counting numbers that are used to indicate the number of individuals or items are known as Cardinal Numbers. They are as follows: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and so on.
Nominal Numbers: The names given to the items in a group are given a numerical designation as nominal numbers. Example- Pin codes of different cities
Ordinal Numbers: The figures that represent an object or a person's position.
Example - Due to severe air pollution, the city placed second.
Ordinal Numbers Examples
Ordinal Numbers Examples
Here is the list of ordinal numbers examples used in sentences -
My birthday is on February 15th.
The third story of the structure is where the library is situated.
He attends sixth grade.
I finished second in the competition.
The following week marks my grandmother's 80th birthday.
January is the first month of the year.
When the new iPhone went on sale, my brother was among the first customers in line.
Begin by folding the piece of paper in half. The paper should now be folded twice.
Ordinal Numbers List
Ordinal Numbers List
Ordinal Numbers 1 to 20
1st: First
2nd: Second
3rd: Third
4th: Fourth
5th: Fifth
6th: Sixth
7th: Seventh
8th: Eighth
9th: Ninth
10th: Tenth
11th: Eleventh
12th: Twelfth
13th: Thirteenth
14th: Fourteenth
15th: Fifteenth
16th: Sixteenth
17th: Seventeenth
18th: Eighteenth
19th: Nineteenth
20th: Twentieth
Solved Examples
Q1. Fill in the blanks with correct ordinal numbers.
S is the ____ letter in the word NEST.
C is the____ letter in the word CLASS.
Ans:
S is the third letter in the word NEST.
C is the first letter in the word CLASS.
Q2. Sam, John, Mary, and Louis are the students of a class, standing in a row, in the given order. Who is in the second position?
Ans: If Sam, John, Mary, and Louis are standing in the given order, then John is in the second position.
Practice Problems
Q1. Write ordinal numbers from 1 to 20.
Ans: First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twentieth
Q2. In the word “BEAUTIFUL”, find the first and last letters.
Ans: The first letter is B and the last letter is L.
Summary
Ordinal numbers are used to denote the location or order of items or objects. These numbers display the order. Due to the positioning and status of objects, their purpose is to arrange various things in a logical order. Since the counting process requires the labeling of items with numbers, ordinal numbers provide precise location information when objects are arranged in order. Ordinal numbers are frequently used in science, literature, mathematics, and other fields.
FAQs on Ordinal Numbers from 1 to 20 Explained
1. What are ordinal numbers from 1 to 20?
The ordinal numbers from 1 to 20 are the numbers that show position or order from first (1st) to twentieth (20th). They indicate rank in a sequence rather than quantity.
- 1st – First
- 2nd – Second
- 3rd – Third
- 4th – Fourth
- 5th – Fifth
- 6th – Sixth
- 7th – Seventh
- 8th – Eighth
- 9th – Ninth
- 10th – Tenth
- 11th – Eleventh
- 12th – Twelfth
- 13th – Thirteenth
- 14th – Fourteenth
- 15th – Fifteenth
- 16th – Sixteenth
- 17th – Seventeenth
- 18th – Eighteenth
- 19th – Nineteenth
- 20th – Twentieth
2. What is the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers?
The main difference is that cardinal numbers show quantity, while ordinal numbers show position or order. For example:
- Cardinal: There are 5 apples (quantity).
- Ordinal: She finished in 5th place (position).
3. How do you write ordinal numbers from 1 to 20 in words?
Ordinal numbers from 1 to 20 are written in words such as first, second, third, up to twentieth. The correct spellings are:
- 1st – First
- 2nd – Second
- 3rd – Third
- 4th – Fourth
- 5th – Fifth
- 6th – Sixth
- 7th – Seventh
- 8th – Eighth
- 9th – Ninth
- 10th – Tenth
- 11th – Eleventh
- 12th – Twelfth
- 13th – Thirteenth
- 14th – Fourteenth
- 15th – Fifteenth
- 16th – Sixteenth
- 17th – Seventeenth
- 18th – Eighteenth
- 19th – Nineteenth
- 20th – Twentieth
4. How do you write ordinal numbers in short form?
Ordinal numbers in short form are written using a number followed by the suffix st, nd, rd, or th. The general rules are:
- 1 → 1st
- 2 → 2nd
- 3 → 3rd
- Most others → use th (4th, 5th, 6th...)
5. Why do 11th, 12th, and 13th not follow the usual ordinal rules?
The numbers 11th, 12th, and 13th use the suffix th because ordinal suffix rules depend on the last two digits, not just the last digit. Even though they end in 1, 2, and 3, they are written as:
- 11th
- 12th
- 13th
6. Can you give examples of ordinal numbers used in sentences?
Ordinal numbers are used in sentences to show position, such as first, second, third, and so on. Examples include:
- She came in first place.
- Today is the 10th of June.
- He lives on the 3rd floor.
- This is my 20th birthday.
7. What is the rule for forming ordinal numbers from 1 to 20?
Ordinal numbers from 1 to 20 are formed by adding a suffix to the cardinal number, usually th, with some spelling changes. Key rules include:
- 1 → First, 2 → Second, 3 → Third (irregular forms)
- 5 → Fifth (change “ve” to “fth”)
- 9 → Ninth (remove “e” and add “th”)
- 12 → Twelfth (change “ve” to “f”)
- Most others → add th (4th, 6th, 7th...)
8. How do ordinal numbers help in maths?
Ordinal numbers help in maths by showing position or order in a sequence, such as 1st, 2nd, or 20th. They are used in:
- Arranging numbers in order (first, second, third)
- Describing positions in patterns
- Number lines and sequences
- Ranking results in competitions
9. What is the ordinal number of 20?
The ordinal number of 20 is 20th, written in words as twentieth. It follows the general rule of adding the suffix th to the cardinal number. For example:
- Cardinal: 20
- Ordinal: 20th
10. What are common mistakes when learning ordinal numbers 1 to 20?
Common mistakes with ordinal numbers 1 to 20 include incorrect spelling and wrong suffix usage. Frequent errors are:
- Writing 1th instead of 1st
- Writing 2th instead of 2nd
- Writing 3th instead of 3rd
- Writing 11st instead of 11th
- Misspelling “twelfth” or “fifth”
