Skip to content

19th or 19st – Which is Correct?

When it comes to writing numbers, confusion can often arise, especially when it comes to ordinal numbers. One common question that I often encounter as well as an IELTS tutor, is whether to use “19th” or “19st” as the correct ordinal form of the number 19. Let’s dive into this topic and unravel the mystery.

The correct ordinal form of the number 19 is “19th.” The suffix “th” is added to any number to indicate its position in a series or order. This is true for all numbers, regardless of their last digit. For example, we say “1st” for first, “2nd” for second, “3rd” for third, “4th” for fourth, and so on. Therefore, it follows that “19th” is the natural and correct way to express the ordinal form of the number 19.

Using “19st” as an ordinal form of the number 19 is incorrect and would confuse your readers. As a language expert and tutor, my duty is to guide students in using accurate and appropriate grammar in their writing. Choosing the correct ordinal form not only showcases your language proficiency but also aids in clear and effective communication.

To further solidify this understanding, let’s consider a few examples. Suppose you are talking about your birthday, which falls on November 19. Correctly stating the ordinal form of this date would be “November 19th,” not “November 19st.” Using the latter would mislead your readers or listeners and make your writing or speech appear less credible.

Similarly, when discussing historical events, it is important to use the correct ordinal form. For instance, if you are recounting the famous Battle of Waterloo that took place on June 18, 1815, it would be incorrect to say “June 18st, 1815.” The correct form is “June 18th, 1815,” conveying the accurate historical context.

Now you might be wondering why we use the suffix “th” for ordinal numbers. The answer lies in the rich history of the English language. The suffix “th” originated from the Old English word “-tha,” which denoted an ordinal number. Over time, this suffix became standardized and continues to be used today. It is a convention that has stood the test of time and helps maintain clarity and consistency in our language.

To sum up, the correct ordinal form of the number 19 is “19th.” Using “19st” is incorrect and can lead to confusion. By adhering to the rule of adding the “th” suffix to any number, we accurately convey its position in a series or order. So, whether you are writing a formal essay, preparing for the IELTS exam, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, remember to use “19th” and impress others with your mastery of English grammar.

Share this post on social!