When it comes to expressing dates, many people get confused about the correct suffix to use – is it “22th” or “22nd”? The answer is simple: “22nd” is the correct form. In English, ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position or order of something in a series. The suffix “-th” is used for most numbers, but there are a few exceptions, and 22 is one of them.
To understand why “22nd” is correct, we need to look at the rules for forming ordinal numbers in English. Ordinal numbers are formed by adding a suffix to the cardinal number. For most numbers, including those ending in “two,” the suffix “-th” is added. For example, “two” becomes “second” and “twenty-two” becomes “twenty-second.” However, there are a few exceptions, and “22” is one of them.
In English, ordinal numbers ending in “two” take the suffix “-nd” instead of “-th.” This rule applies to numbers like “22,” “32,” “42,” and so on. So, the correct form is “22nd,” not “22th.”
To further illustrate this point, let’s look at some examples:
1. Today is the 22nd of September.
2. She was the 22nd person to arrive at the party.
3. The 22nd chapter of the book is my favorite.
4. The 22nd of December is a public holiday in our country.
By using the correct suffix “22nd” in these examples, we are able to convey the precise position or order of the date, person, chapter, or holiday in question. This clarity is essential for effective communication, especially in written English.
Using the incorrect form “22th” can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. If someone were to write or say “22th,” it would likely be seen as a grammatical error. To avoid such mistakes, it is important to remember the specific rules for forming ordinal numbers in English.
In conclusion, the correct form to express the ordinal number corresponding to “22” is “22nd.” This rule applies to numbers ending in “two,” and it is crucial to use the correct suffix to accurately convey the position or order of something in a series. By following this rule, we can ensure clear and effective communication in English. So, next time you are writing or speaking about the 22nd day, person, chapter, or anything else, remember to use the correct form – “22nd.”