When it comes to ordinals, every English learner can easily get confused. Is it 17th or 17st? Which is the correct form? Let’s dive into this matter and clear up any uncertainties.
The correct form is indeed 17th. The rule for forming ordinal numbers is relatively straightforward. The numbers from 1 to 10 are unique and have their own ordinal forms, such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 10th. However, when we move beyond these numbers, a recurring pattern emerges: adding “th” to the cardinal number. This applies to numbers ending in 0 as well, such as 20th, 30th, and so on.
Now, let’s explore some examples to solidify our understanding:
1. My sister’s birthday falls on the 17th of September.
2. They finished in 4th place in the competition.
3. We had a fantastic time celebrating our friend’s 40th birthday.
4. The 10th floor of the building offers breathtaking views of the city.
5. Today is my nephew’s 3rd birthday.
As you can see from the examples above, the ordinal form always adds the suffix “-th” to the cardinal number. It doesn’t matter if the number is tens, hundreds, or even thousands; the rule remains the same.
So, why is it incorrect to write 17st? Well, the suffix “-st” is reserved exclusively for the number 1 (first). By applying it to any other number, we would be violating the established pattern and departing from the correct grammar rules.
To illustrate this point, let’s consider an analogy. Imagine you’re baking a batch of cookies. You follow the recipe precisely, combining the ingredients step by step. However, at the end, when it’s time to bake, instead of putting the tray in the oven, you decide to toss it in the refrigerator. Clearly, this action would disrupt the process, resulting in uncooked cookies. In a similar manner, using 17st instead of 17th disrupts the established pattern of forming ordinals, leading to incorrect grammar.
Now that we have established why 17th is the correct form, let’s briefly recap the rule: when forming ordinals, add “-th” to the cardinal number, regardless of how large or small the number may be. By following this rule, you will consistently produce accurate and grammatically correct sentences.
In conclusion, the correct ordinal form is 17th, not 17st. This is vital knowledge for English language learners, as it sets the foundation for expressing dates, rankings, and other sequential information. Remember to stay consistent with the “-th” suffix for all numbers beyond 10, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this aspect of English grammar. Happy learning!