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34th or 34rd – Which is Correct?

So, the question at hand is whether 34th or 34rd is the correct way to write the ordinal number for 34. Well, let’s dive right in and shed some light on this topic.

To start with, we use ordinal numbers to indicate the position or order of something in a series. In English, most ordinal numbers are formed by adding “-th” to the end of the cardinal number (e.g. first, second, third). However, there are a few exceptions, and 34 is one of them.

When it comes to numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, we don’t simply add “-th” to the end. Instead, we change the ending to “-th” for all numbers except those ending in 1. For numbers ending in 1, we replace the “t” with “s” to create the correct ending. Therefore, we write 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and so on.

Now that we have established this general rule, let’s apply it to our number 34. Since it doesn’t end in 1, we can safely say that we should use the ending “-th” to form the ordinal number. Hence, the correct way to write the ordinal number for 34 is 34th.

To further illustrate this point, let’s take a look at some examples:

1. Today is my 34th birthday.
2. The 34th chapter of the book was the most exciting.
3. She ranked 34th in the marathon.
4. The 34th floor of the building offers a breathtaking view.
5. He was the 34th person to arrive at the party.
6. Our flight is scheduled to depart from Gate 34th.

As you can see, in each of these examples, we have used “34th” to indicate the position or order of something. This is consistent with the standard English usage for ordinal numbers.

Now, you might be wondering why we don’t follow the general rule of adding “-th” to the end of the cardinal number for numbers like 34. Well, language is a curious thing, and sometimes it throws us off with its irregularities. It’s one of those quirks we just have to accept and remember.

In conclusion, the correct way to write the ordinal number for 34 is 34th. Remember, this exception applies to numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, where we replace the “t” with “s” for numbers ending in 1 (e.g. 21st, 31st).

So, whether you’re writing a birthday card, a report, or an essay, make sure to use the correct form. And now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the world of ordinal numbers without stumbling over the little “irregular” speed bump that is 34th!

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