When it comes to writing the ordinal number for 17, many people find themselves confused between using “17nd” or “17th.” The correct form is actually “17th.” In this article, we will explore why “17th” is the correct choice and provide clear explanations and examples to help clarify any lingering doubts.
To begin with, the reason we use “17th” instead of “17nd” is because “nd” is only used for ordinal numbers that end in a “2” or “3.” For all other numbers, including 17, we use “th” as the suffix. This rule applies to all numbers except for “1” and “2,” which are exceptions and have their own unique suffixes: “st” for “1st” and “nd” for “2nd.”
The use of “17th” is consistent with the established pattern for writing ordinal numbers in English. We add “th” to the base number to indicate its position in a sequence or order. For instance, we write “3rd” for third, “12th” for twelfth, and “100th” for one hundredth. Similarly, “17th” denotes the seventeenth position in a series.
Let’s learn some examples to reinforce this idea. Consider a sentence like, “I will be celebrating my 17th birthday next week.” Here, “17th” conveys that the birthday in question is the seventeenth one in the speaker’s life. If we were to write “17nd” instead, it would not make logical sense, as it would imply that the speaker is celebrating their twenty-second birthday. This example highlights the importance of using the correct ordinal suffix to accurately convey information.
Now, let’s explore a few more examples to solidify our understanding. Imagine a teacher saying, “You are the 17th student to arrive today.” This statement clearly signifies that the student being addressed is the seventeenth one to arrive that day. If the teacher were to say, “You are the 17nd student to arrive today,” it would sound awkward and incorrect.
Another scenario could be a sports commentator saying, “The athlete finished in 17th place in the marathon.” Here, “17th” indicates that the athlete’s final standing was seventeenth out of all the participants. If the commentator were to say, “The athlete finished in 17nd place,” it would create confusion and diminish the clarity of the information being conveyed.
In conclusion, the correct form when writing the ordinal number for 17 is “17th.” This adheres to the established pattern of adding “th” to denote the position or order of a number in a sequence. The use of “17nd” would be incorrect in this context, as it is reserved for numbers ending in “2” or “3.” Clear examples and explanations have been provided to illustrate why “17th” is the appropriate choice. By adhering to these rules and conventions, we can ensure effective communication and avoid confusion when expressing ordinal numbers in written English.