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13th or 13st – Which is Correct?

When it comes to ordinal numbers, such as “13th” or “13st”, it can be quite confusing to determine which is correct. However, rest assured, I am here to shed some light on this matter and provide you with a clear explanation.

The correct ordinal form for the number 13 is “13th”. This is because when we express a number as an ordinal, we add “th” to the end of the cardinal number. For example, we say “first” instead of “onest”, “second” instead of “twond”, and so on. The same rule applies to the number 13, hence “13th” is the proper form.

To help solidify this concept, let’s have a look at some more examples. We say “fourth” for the number 4, “fifth” for 5, “sixth” for 6, and so on. It is important to remember that when we reach numbers ending in one, such as 21, 31, 41, we simply add “st” to form the ordinal, as in “21st”, “31st”, “41st”, and so forth. However, this is not the case for the number 13.

Imagine if we were to say “13st”. It would sound unnatural and quite awkward, as it goes against the usual pattern we follow for ordinal numbers. So, to ensure clarity and adherence to the rules of the English language, it is best to use “13th” when expressing the ordinal form of the number 13.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the use of “st”, “nd”, “rd”, and “th” in ordinal numbers is consistent across all numbers. We say “15th” for 15, “22nd” for 22, and “99th” for 99. Therefore, it is important to maintain consistency and avoid using “13st” or any other unconventional forms.

In conclusion, the correct ordinal form for the number 13 is “13th”. By following the pattern of adding “th” to the end of cardinal numbers, we can easily express the ordinal form of any number. So, remember to use “13th” and impress others with your impeccable English language skills!