When it comes to writing the ordinal number for 22, the correct form is 22nd, not 22st. This may seem strange at first, as we often see the ending “-st” used with numbers ending in 2, such as 1st, 2nd, and 21st. However, there is a logical explanation for why 22nd is the correct choice in this case.
Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position of something in a sequence or order. They are formed by adding a suffix to the cardinal number (e.g., one, two, three). The most commonly used suffixes for ordinal numbers are “-st,” “-nd,” “-rd,” and “-th.”
The reason why we don’t use 22st is because the ending “-st” is reserved for numbers ending in 1, except for 11. This is a general rule in English grammar. For example, we say first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and so on. We only deviate from this pattern when the number ends in 1 and is not 11, such as 21st and 31st.
To better understand this, let’s look at some examples. Imagine you are organizing a race, and there are 22 participants. You want to indicate the position of the person who comes in 22nd. If you were to write “22st,” it would not only sound strange and awkward, but it would also be grammatically incorrect.
Now, let’s consider an analogy to help illustrate this point. Think of ordinal numbers as labels on a bookshelf. Each book has a specific place on the shelf, and the labels help us identify where to find them. In this analogy, the bookshelf represents the sequence or order of numbers, and the books represent the actual numbers themselves.
If we were to label the books on the shelf using the incorrect form “22st,” it would be like misplacing the labels or putting them on the wrong books. This would lead to confusion and make it difficult to find the desired book. Similarly, using “22st” as the ordinal number for 22 creates confusion and goes against the established rules of English grammar.
To avoid such confusion, it is important to stick to the correct form “22nd.” This ensures clarity and consistency in our writing. It also allows us to communicate effectively and enables others to understand the position or order of something without any ambiguity.
In conclusion, when it comes to writing the ordinal number for 22, it is crucial to use “22nd” instead of “22st.” This is because the ending “-st” is reserved for numbers ending in 1, except for 11. By following this rule, we maintain clarity and consistency in our writing. So, the next time you find yourself needing to indicate the position of something in a sequence, remember to use “22nd” and avoid the incorrect form “22st.”