When it comes to discussing the correct way to write “18th” or “18rd,” it is important to understand the rules of ordinal numbers in English. Ordinal numbers are used to represent position or rank in a sequence, and they are usually formed by adding the suffix “-th” to the cardinal number. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, and “18rd” is not one of them.
The correct way to write the ordinal number for 18 is “18th.” This rule applies to all numbers ending in “eight,” and “eighteenth” is the appropriate ordinal form. Using “18rd” would be grammatically incorrect and would demonstrate a misunderstanding of English grammar.
To provide further clarity, let’s examine a few examples:
1. “She celebrated her 18th birthday last week.” – Here, “18th” is the correct ordinal form of 18, indicating the specific birthday she celebrated.
2. “He finished in 18th place in the marathon.” – In this example, “18th” represents the position in which he finished the race, correctly using the ordinal form.
3. “The 18rd of May is a special holiday in our country.” – This sentence is incorrect, as “18rd” is not a valid ordinal form. The correct version would be “18th of May.”
It is crucial to note that the suffix “-rd” is only used with numbers ending in “three,” such as “third” or “thirteen.” It is an exception to the general rule of adding “-th” to cardinal numbers. This exception exists because of the irregularities in the formation of ordinal numbers for these specific numbers.
To illustrate this exception, consider the following examples:
1. “Today is the third day of our vacation.” – “Third” is the correct ordinal form of 3, as it follows the exception rule.
2. “She came in thirteenth place in the race.” – “Thirteenth” is the ordinal form used to indicate her position in the race.
3. “The 23rd floor is where the conference is being held.” – In this instance, “23rd” adheres to the general rule of adding “-th” to cardinal numbers.
In conclusion, it is clear that “18th” is the correct way to write the ordinal form of 18. The use of “18rd” would be grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. Understanding the rules of ordinal numbers in English is essential for effective communication and accurate writing. So, next time you encounter a number like 18 in a context requiring an ordinal representation, remember to use “18th” and steer clear of the non-existent “18rd.”