When it comes to expressing dates, numbers, and ordinals, English can often be tricky and confusing. One common area of confusion is differentiating between the abbreviations of “th,” “nd,” “rd,” and “st.” An example of this confusion can be seen when determining whether to write “28th” or “28st.” So, which is the correct abbreviation to use? The answer is, without a doubt, “28th.” Let me explain why.
In English, these suffixes are used to indicate the order of something, or in this case, a specific date. The suffix “-th” is the most commonly used and applies to most numbers ending in “1,” “2,” “3,” and all the rest. For example, we would say “1st” for “first,” “2nd” for “second,” “3rd” for “third,” and then “4th,” “5th,” “6th,” and so on. This pattern holds for almost all numbers. Therefore, when we want to refer to the date “28,” we simply add the suffix “-th” to the numeral, thus making it “28th.”
Using the abbreviation “28st” is incorrect because the suffix “-st” is only used with the number “1” to indicate “first.” It creates a unique exception to the general rule. For instance, we would say “21st” for “twenty-first,” “31st” for “thirty-first,” but then we revert back to using the “-th” suffix for all other numbers. Consequently, there is never a circumstance where “28st” should be used, as it is glaringly incorrect and goes against the established conventions of the English language.
To further illustrate this point, let’s consider some examples. If we are talking about the 7th day of the month, we would write “7th,” not “7st.” Similarly, if we are referring to a milestone, such as a person’s 50th birthday, we would write “50th,” not “50st.” The correct usage of the “-th” suffix ensures that the number corresponds correctly with the intended meaning. It would be peculiar to see someone claiming they are celebrating their “50st” birthday or reminiscing about a memorable event that happened on the “7st” day. Such usage would not only be confusing but also incorrect and may hinder effective communication.
In conclusion, when it comes to expressing dates and ordinals in English, it is important to follow the established conventions. The correct abbreviation for the date “28” is “28th,” not “28st.” The suffix “-th” is the most commonly used and applies to most numbers, while the suffix “-st” is only used with the number “1” to indicate “first.” Remember, consistency and adherence to these conventions are crucial for effective communication in English. So, the next time you write a date, make sure to use the correct abbreviation, and rest assured that you will be conveying your message accurately and in accordance with English grammar rules.