When it comes to ordinal numbers, such as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, the rules for forming them are fairly straightforward. However, there are some exceptions that can trip up even the most experienced English speakers. One such exception is the case of determining whether to use “62nd” or “62th.” In this article, we will explore the correct usage and provide examples to help clarify this confusion.
The correct form to express the ordinal number for 62 is “62nd.” The general rule for forming ordinal numbers is to add “nd” to the end of the cardinal number, as in 2nd, 22nd, and 102nd. This pattern holds true for most numbers, including 62.
For example, if you were to write a sentence about someone’s 62nd birthday, you would say, “Today, we are celebrating Jane’s 62nd birthday.” Here, “62nd” clearly communicates that it is the specific ordinal position of Jane’s birthday.
On the other hand, “62th” is not a valid formation for expressing ordinal numbers. It violates the established pattern and is not recognized or used in English. Using “62th” would be incorrect and could confuse readers or listeners.
To further illustrate the incorrectness of “62th,” let’s look at a few more examples. If we were to describe the placement of a team in a tournament, we would say, “The team finished in 62nd place.” This construction follows the standard rule of adding “nd” to the cardinal number, making it clear and unambiguous.
In another scenario, suppose you were discussing the 62nd chapter of a book. You would say, “In the 62nd chapter of the novel, the main character faces a crucial decision.” Here, “62nd” accurately indicates the specific chapter within the book.
Now, you might be wondering why “62th” is incorrect while other ordinal numbers follow the “nd” pattern. Well, the answer lies in the way ordinal numbers are formed in English. The majority of ordinal numbers are created by simply adding “th” to the end of the cardinal number. For instance, 1 becomes 1st, 10 becomes 10th, and 50 becomes 50th.
However, there are a few exceptions where “nd” is used instead of “th.” This occurs when the last digit of the cardinal number is a 2, such as in 2nd, 22nd, and 102nd. This is a unique rule in English and can be slightly confusing for non-native speakers.
To summarize, the correct ordinal form for 62 is “62nd.” It is essential to use the correct formation when expressing ordinal numbers to ensure clarity and avoid confusion. Remember, “62th” is not a valid formation and should be avoided at all costs. Stick to the standard rule of adding “nd” to the end of the cardinal number, and your usage of ordinal numbers will be consistently correct. Keep practicing, and soon enough, proper usage will become second nature.