When it comes to writing dates, we often encounter a common question: should it be “19rd” or “19th”? Well, the answer is simple: “19th” is the correct form. Let me explain why.
The suffix “-rd” is used to form ordinal numbers, but it is only used after the numbers ending in 3 (except the number 13). For example, we have “3rd,” “23rd,” “33rd,” and so on. However, the number “19” does not end in 3, so the correct form is “19th.”
What about the other suffixes used for ordinal numbers? The general rule is to add “-th” to all numbers that do not end in 1, 2, or 3 (except 11, 12, and 13). So, we have “1st,” “2nd,” “3rd,” “4th,” “5th,” and so on.
Here are some examples to illustrate this rule:
– Today is the 1st of July.
– I will be turning 30 on my 30th birthday.
– We celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July.
– The concert is scheduled for the 9th of October.
– She was elected on the 12th of May.
As you can see, the suffix “-th” is consistently used for all numbers that fall outside the exceptions mentioned earlier.
Now, you might be wondering why the English language has these irregularities in ordinal numbers. Well, language evolution can be quite fascinating. Historically, these forms originated from old English, where numbers were frequently spelled out. Over time, these spellings were shortened, leading to the unique endings we use today.
To further clarify this, let me use an analogy. Imagine you have a delicious chocolate cake. You can cut it into different slices, each representing a specific portion. The 1st slice, the 2nd slice, the 3rd slice, and so on. You don’t want to mix up the order, so you always go for the correct slice. Similarly, when we write ordinal numbers, we want to be precise and use the appropriate suffix.
In conclusion, the correct form for the ordinal number representing the date “19” is “19th.” Remember to add the suffix “-th” to all numbers that do not end in 1, 2, or 3 (except 11, 12, and 13). This consistent pattern allows us to communicate dates effectively and avoid any confusion. So, the next time you’re writing a date, rest assured that “19th” is the right choice.