When it comes to expressing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, third, etc., it is important to use the correct abbreviation to ensure clarity and precision. The question at hand is whether “1th” or “1st” is the appropriate form to use. Without a doubt, “1st” is the correct abbreviation. Let’s learn the reasons why and explore some examples to solidify this understanding.
In English, ordinal numbers are commonly expressed with a combination of digits and letters. The purpose of this abbreviation is to make the written form more concise and allow for ease of reading. When forming ordinal numbers, the last two letters of the numeral are dropped and replaced with either “th,” “st,” “nd,” or “rd,” depending on the final digit.
The most common endings for ordinal numbers are “th” (e.g., 8th, 12th, 25th), “st” (e.g., 1st, 21st, 91st), “nd” (e.g., 2nd, 22nd, 102nd), and “rd” (e.g., 3rd, 33rd, 73rd). These endings serve to distinguish ordinal numbers from cardinal numbers, which indicate quantity or count (e.g., one, two, three).
The correct abbreviation for the ordinal number “1” is “1st.” This is due to the fact that “1” ends in the digit “1,” which calls for the abbreviation “st.” Using “1th” would be incorrect and nonstandard.
Let’s examine some examples to further solidify this understanding:
1. She came in 1st place in the race.
(Incorrect: She came in 1th place in the race.)
2. He was the 1st person to arrive at the meeting.
(Incorrect: He was the 1th person to arrive at the meeting.)
3. The 1st of January is a national holiday.
(Incorrect: The 1th of January is a national holiday.)
4. We will meet on the 1st floor of the building.
(Incorrect: We will meet on the 1th floor of the building.)
Clearly, using “1th” instead of “1st” in these examples would distort the intended meaning and confuse the reader. To ensure effective communication, it is crucial to adhere to the standard conventions of expressing ordinal numbers.
In conclusion, the correct abbreviation for the ordinal number “1” is “1st.” This form should be used to maintain clarity and precision in written English. Examples provided above illustrate the correct usage of “1st” in various contexts. By employing the correct abbreviation, we can convey information accurately and effectively. So let’s turn our attention away from “1th” and embrace the correct form of “1st” to enhance our communication skills.