When it comes to the question of whether to use “31nd” or “31st,” the answer is quite clear: “31st” is the correct form. The suffix “-st” is used to denote ordinal numbers, which indicate the position of something in a series. In this case, “31st” tells us that the number 31 is the thirty-first in a sequence.
To understand why “31nd” is incorrect, let’s take a closer look at the rules of forming ordinal numbers in English. Ordinal numbers are created by adding a suffix to cardinal numbers (numbers used for counting). The specific suffix used depends on the final digit of the cardinal number.
For numbers ending in 1, we add “-st” to the cardinal number. For example:
– 1 becomes “1st”
– 21 becomes “21st”
– 31 becomes “31st”
For numbers ending in 2, we add “-nd” to the cardinal number. For example:
– 2 becomes “2nd”
– 22 becomes “22nd”
– 32 becomes “32nd”
For numbers ending in 3, we add “-rd” to the cardinal number. For example:
– 3 becomes “3rd”
– 23 becomes “23rd”
– 33 becomes “33rd”
For numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, and for all numbers ending in 0, we add “-th” to the cardinal number. For example:
– 4 becomes “4th”
– 10 becomes “10th”
– 25 becomes “25th”
– 99 becomes “99th”
As you can see, the correct suffix for the number 31 is “-st.” No other suffix is applicable here. Therefore, “31nd” is grammatically incorrect and should not be used.
To further illustrate this rule, let’s look at some examples:
1. My birthday is on the 31st of October.
2. She finished in 31st place in the race.
3. On the 31st day of the month, the rent is due.
In each of these examples, the correct form of the ordinal number is used. Using “31nd” instead would result in incorrect and confusing expressions.
In conclusion, “31st” is the correct form to use when referring to the ordinal number that represents the position of 31 in a sequence. Remember to follow the rules of forming ordinal numbers in English, and your writing and speech will be clear, accurate, and grammatically correct.