and an IELTS tutor, I am frequently asked questions about correct usage and proper grammar. One question that often comes up is whether it is correct to say “1st” or “1th” when we refer to the first item in a list. In this article, we will explore this question in depth and provide a clear explanation of the correct usage.
To start off, let’s clarify that “1th” is not a valid ordinal number suffix in the English language. The correct suffix for the number “1” is “st”, which stands for “first”. So, when we refer to the first item in a list, we should write “1st”.
To further illustrate this point, let’s look at some examples:
1. “I am the 1st person in line.”
2. “The 1st chapter of the book is very interesting.”
3. “She won 1st place in the competition.”
In each of these sentences, we use “1st” to indicate the first position or rank of the noun being referred to. This is the standard and widely accepted usage in the English language.
Now, you might be wondering why we use “st” as the suffix for “first” instead of something like “nd” or “th” as we do with the other ordinal numbers. Well, the reason behind this inconsistency lies in the history of the English language. The suffixes “nd” and “rd” were derived from Old English and Middle English, whereas “st” has its roots in the Old English word “forma” meaning “foremost” or “first.” Over time, “forma” evolved into “fyrst,” and eventually, the letter “y” was dropped, leading to the modern-day spelling of “first.”
It is also worth noting that while we use “1st” for first, the rest of the ordinal numbers follow a pattern. For example:
– 2nd for second
– 3rd for third
– 4th for fourth
– 5th for fifth
– 6th for sixth
– and so on…
This pattern of using the suffixes “nd,” “rd,” and “th” after the numbers two and above is consistent throughout the English language.
In summary, when it comes to expressing the first item in a list, the correct and accepted usage is “1st.” Remember that “1th” is not a valid ordinal number suffix. By using “1st,” you are adhering to standard English grammar and effectively conveying the intended meaning.
So, the next time you find yourself drafting a document or writing a list, confidently use “1st” to denote the first position. Your mastery of this grammar rule will undoubtedly impress others with your command of the English language!