Have you ever wondered whether to use “100th” or “100st” when referring to the ordinal number for “100”? Well, you’re not alone! Many English language learners and even native speakers find this a confusing aspect of English grammar. In this article, we will explore the correct form and provide you with a thorough explanation, including examples to help you grasp the concept easily.
To start, let me clarify that the correct form to express “100” as an ordinal number is “100th”. The “th” ending is used for all numbers ending in 0, such as 10th, 20th, 30th, and so on. This rule applies to multiples of ten, including hundred, thousand, and million.
So, when we refer to the 100th anniversary, the 100th floor, or the 100th page, we use the correct form “100th”. This implies that we are talking about the hundredth occurrence or item in a sequence.
Now, let’s take a look at some examples to better understand the usage of “100th” in different contexts:
1. The 100th anniversary of Independence Day is a national celebration.
2. We reached the 100th page of the book, marking a major turning point in the story.
3. I am running my 100th marathon this weekend.
4. The 100th student to arrive at the event will receive a special prize.
In these examples, “100th” is used to indicate a specific position or milestone within a sequence. It adds a sense of importance and signifies an event, page, marathon, or student that is the 100th in a series.
To further illustrate the difference, let’s contrast “100th” with “100st”, an incorrect form. While “100st” might seem logical if we follow the pattern of the ordinal numbers ending in “st”, such as 1st, 21st, 31st, and so on, it is not a valid construction in English.
Using “100st” would be considered a grammatical error as it goes against the established rule for ordinals ending in 0. Hence, it is crucial to use “100th” to convey the sense of the hundredth position or occurrence in a sequence.
In conclusion, when expressing “100” as an ordinal number, it is correct to use “100th”. This form aligns with the established rule for ordinals ending in 0, like 10th, 20th, and 30th. Remember, using “100st” is incorrect and should be avoided as it does not follow the standard practice.
By mastering this simple rule, you can confidently and accurately communicate in English when referring to the hundredth position or occurrence in various contexts. Keep practicing and incorporating such grammatical nuances into your language skills, and you will continue to improve your overall English proficiency.