When it comes to writing dates in English, one of the most common questions that arises is whether to use the abbreviation “st” or “th” after the number. Specifically, this confusion often arises when writing ordinal numbers, such as 1st, 2nd, and so on. In this brief article, we will demystify this issue and provide a clear answer to the question at hand: 25st or 25th?
To put it simply, the correct form to use in this case is “25th.” The abbreviation “th” is used to denote ordinal numbers referring to days of the month. Whether you are writing a formal letter, an essay, or simply jotting down a reminder in your calendar, using “25th” will ensure that your writing adheres to standard conventions of English grammar.
Let’s consider some examples to illustrate this point further. Imagine you are writing a sentence that states the date of an important event:
– “The conference will take place on June 25th.”
Using “25th” in this sentence is correct because it is referring to a specific day of the month.
Now, let’s imagine a different scenario where you are discussing a person’s position in a race:
– “John finished in 25th place overall.”
Again, the correct form to use here is “25th” as it indicates an ordinal number.
It is worth noting that while “st,” “nd,” and “rd” are used to denote the ordinal numbers 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively, the remaining numbers (from 4th onwards) all use the “th” suffix. This consistent use of the “th” suffix simplifies the writing of ordinal numbers, and avoids the need for remembering different suffixes for each number.
For instance, consider the following examples:
– “Her birthday is on the 4th of June.”
– “We do not have class on the 7th of August.”
– “He won the lottery on the 12th of May.”
In all of these examples, the “th” suffix is used after the number to indicate the ordinal position within the month. By sticking to the “th” suffix for all numbers, we avoid any potential confusion or errors in our writing.
In conclusion, when it comes to writing dates and ordinal numbers in English, it is important to use the correct form to maintain clarity and adherence to grammatical rules. In the case of 25th, it is the proper and widely accepted form, so whenever you have to write it, remember to use “25th” rather than “25st.” By doing so, you will ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and accurate.