When it comes to ordinal numbers, the correct way to write “39th” or “39st” is indeed “39th.” The suffix “-th” is commonly used to indicate the ordinal position of a number. This rule applies to all numbers ending in “9,” such as 9th, 19th, 29th, and so on. On the other hand, the suffix “-st” is used for ordinal numbers ending in “1,” like 1st, 21st, 31st, and so forth. Confusing “39th” with “39st” is a common mistake, but understanding the logic behind it makes it easier to remember.
To illustrate this rule more clearly, let’s consider some examples. Imagine you have a race where 39 participants are competing. The person who finishes first would be the “39th” person to cross the finish line. In contrast, if someone were to come in 39th place, they would be the “1st” person to finish out of the remaining participants. Using “39th” in this scenario is correct because it accurately represents the ordinal position of the person in the race.
Another way to grasp the difference between “39th” and “39st” is to think about them in terms of the cardinal numbers they are derived from. The cardinal number for 39 is simply “39.” However, when we want to express that number in an ordinal form, we add the appropriate suffix. In this case, we add “-th” to create “39th.” On the other hand, if we were to use “39st,” it would imply that the cardinal number itself ends in 1, which it doesn’t.
Consider the analogy of a bus stop. Imagine there are 39 bus stops along a route, and you want to get off at the 39th stop. It would be incorrect to write “39st” because the cardinal number for the bus stop is 39, not 391. Instead, we use “39th” to indicate that it is the ordinal position of that specific bus stop along the route.
In summary, the correct way to write the ordinal number for 39 is “39th,” while “39st” is incorrect. By understanding the logic behind ordinal numbers and their relationship to cardinal numbers, we can avoid making this common mistake. So, whether you need to write about the 39th person in a race or the 39th bus stop on a route, always remember to use “39th” to portray the correct ordinal position.