When it comes to writing dates, knowing whether to use “st” or “th” can sometimes leave people scratching their heads. It’s a common confusion, but fear not! I’m here to shed some light on the matter and help you clarify which is correct – 26st or 26th?
To answer this question, we need to understand the rules of ordinal numbers. Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position or order of things. In the case of the number 26, we want to express it as a date – the 26th of a particular month.
The correct form is indeed 26th. But why? The reason lies in the suffix “-th,” which is added to cardinal numbers to transform them into ordinals. This rule generally applies to all numbers from 4 to 20 and beyond, except for those ending in 1, 2, or 3.
Let’s break it down with some examples to make it crystal clear:
1. First
2. Second
3. Third
4. Fourth
5. Fifth
6. Sixth
7. Seventh
8. Eighth
9. Ninth
10. Tenth
11. Eleventh
12. Twelfth
13. Thirteenth
14. Fourteenth
15. Fifteenth
16. Sixteenth
17. Seventeenth
18. Eighteenth
19. Nineteenth
20. Twentieth
21. Twenty-first
22. Twenty-second
23. Twenty-third
24. Twenty-fourth
25. Twenty-fifth
26. Twenty-sixth
As you can see, for numbers 20 and beyond, we simply add the suffix “-th” to form the ordinal number. This is why we say “26th” and not “26st.”
To further solidify this concept, let’s imagine we are hosting a party on the 26th of December and wish to send out invitations. The correct wording for the date would be “Please join us on the 26th of December.” Using “26st” would be incorrect and grammatically confusing.
In everyday conversation, we may not put much thought into the correct usage of “st” or “th” when writing numbers. However, when it comes to formal writing, such as academic essays or business reports, it is essential to follow the appropriate rules of grammar.
So, in conclusion, when writing the date 26th, remember that the suffix “-th” is the correct choice. Don’t be tempted to use “st” or any other variation, as they would be grammatically incorrect. By following this simple rule, you can ensure that your writing remains clear and accurate.
Now that we’ve clarified this common confusion, you can confidently write dates without worrying about whether to use “26st” or “26th.” Practice using ordinal numbers in your writing and pay attention to the proper suffixes to enhance your command of English grammar.