When it comes to ordinal numbers, such as “44th” or “44rd,” it’s essential to understand the correct usage to effectively communicate in written English. The correct form in this case is “44th,” as it follows the general rule of adding “th” to the end of a number to indicate ordinality.
The use of “44th” instead of “44rd” is a consistent pattern that applies to all numbers ending in 4. For instance, we say “4th” instead of “4rd,” “14th” instead of “14rd,” and so on. This pattern is observed because the letter “t” phonetically matches the sound at the end of these numbers, creating a harmonious blend when spoken.
To clarify this rule, let’s consider a list of examples:
– “1st” – first
– “2nd” – second
– “3rd” – third
– “4th” – fourth
– “10th” – tenth
– “11th” – eleventh
– “12th” – twelfth
– “44th” – forty-fourth
As we can see, adding “th” to the end of a number creates the corresponding ordinal form. This rule is consistent and applies to all numbers except those ending in 1, 2, or 3.
You might wonder why the exception exists for numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3. Well, this is due to historical linguistic influences and can be likened to irregular verbs in language usage. Just as irregular verbs defy regular conjugation rules, these exceptions in ordinal numbers have become ingrained in English over time, and we accept them as standard practice.
Now, let’s consider a situation where one might need to use “44th” in a sentence:
“In the 44th minute of the game, the striker scored a magnificent goal.”
Here, “44th” effectively communicates the specific point in time during the game. If we were to mistakenly use “44rd” instead, it would not only be grammatically incorrect but would also confuse the reader or listener, potentially leading to misunderstanding or misinterpretation.
In conclusion, the correct ordinal form for the number 44 is “44th.” It follows the consistent pattern observed in English, where “th” is added to the end of numbers to indicate their ordinality. This rule applies to all numbers except those ending in 1, 2, or 3. By understanding and applying this rule correctly, you’ll be able to express yourself accurately and confidently in written English.