When it comes to ordinal numbers, such as the position of a number in a series, the question often arises whether to use “th” or “rd” at the end. The correct option is “43rd,” with the “rd” indicating the ordinal form of the number 43. Let’s delve deeper into the rules and examples to understand why “43rd” is the correct choice.
In English, ordinal numbers are used to indicate position or order in a series. They are generally formed by adding a suffix to cardinal numbers. The most common suffixes used for creating ordinal numbers are “th,” “st,” “nd,” and “rd.”
The suffix “th” is the most commonly used one for creating ordinals, and it is used for numbers ending in any digit except 1, 2, or 3. For example, we use “5th” for the number 5, “10th” for the number 10, and “20th” for the number 20.
On the other hand, the suffixes “st,” “nd,” and “rd” are used for numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3 respectively. For instance, we say “1st” for the number 1, “2nd” for the number 2, and “3rd” for the number 3.
Returning to the question at hand, the number in question is 43. Since it does not end in 1, 2, or 3, we must use the “th” suffix to create the ordinal form. Therefore, the correct ordinal form for 43 is “43rd.”
Here are some further examples to illustrate the correct usage:
1. My friend finished in 7th place in the race.
2. The 12th chapter of the book is the most intriguing.
3. We celebrated our 30th anniversary last month.
4. The 101st day of school is always special for the students.
5. She was the 50th person to arrive at the event.
As you can see from these examples, the correct suffix is used depending on the last digit of the number. If the last digit is 1, we use “st.” If it is 2, we use “nd.” If it is 3, we use “rd.” And for all other digits, we use “th.”
By adhering to this rule, we maintain consistency and clarity in our communication. It ensures that the listener or reader understands the position or order being referred to accurately. So, when we refer to the 43rd item or event in a series, it is crucial to use the correct form and write “43rd” rather than “43th.”
In conclusion, when it comes to ordinal numbers, the correct form for the number 43 is “43rd.” By using the appropriate suffixes, such as “th,” “st,” “nd,” and “rd,” we can accurately convey the position or order within a series. Remembering these rules and examples will help you avoid common mistakes and confidently use ordinal numbers in your everyday English communication.