When trying to determine whether “eighteen” or “eight teen” is the correct way to write the number that comes after seventeen, it is important to understand the rules of English language and grammar. In this case, the correct form is “eighteen.”
To clarify, “eighteen” is the standard way to write the number between seventeen and nineteen. It is formed by combining the word “eight” with the suffix “-teen,” which is used to indicate the numbers from thirteen to nineteen. This follows the established pattern of the English language, where numbers such as thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen are formed by combining the root words with the “-teen” suffix.
On the other hand, “eight teen” is not considered correct or standard usage in English grammar. It is a common mistake that arises from the misinterpretation or misapplication of the rule for constructing numbers from thirteen to nineteen. While it may seem logically consistent to separate “eight” and “teen” as two distinct words, this is not how the English language functions.
To further illustrate the proper usage, let’s consider a few examples. When we talk about someone who turns eighteen years old, we say they have reached the age of “eighteen,” not “eight teen.” Similarly, when discussing a group of eighteen people, we say there are “eighteen” individuals, not “eight teen” individuals.
Moreover, looking at the larger context of English word formation, we can see that the “-teen” suffix is consistently used to create numbers from thirteen to nineteen. It would be inconsistent and illogical to separate the root word and the suffix, as it would contradict the established patterns in the language.
Imagine you are working on a puzzle and trying to complete a sequence of numbers. If you were given the numbers one, two, three, and then needed to determine what comes next, you would logically conclude that it is “four.” Similarly, in the sequence thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, it should be clear that the next number is “sixteen,” not “six teen.” This same logic applies to the number eighteen, which should be written as a single word, with the “-teen” suffix attached to the root word “eight.”
In conclusion, when it comes to writing the number that follows seventeen, the correct and accepted form is “eighteen.” This follows the established patterns in English language and grammar, where the “-teen” suffix is used to form numbers from thirteen to nineteen. While “eight teen” may seem like a logical alternative, it is not considered correct usage. So remember, when you’re discussing age, quantity, or any other context that involves the number between seventeen and nineteen, stick to “eighteen” and avoid the common mistake of using “eight teen.”