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39th or 39nd – Which is Correct?

When it comes to ordinal numbers, it’s crucial to know the correct way to write them. In the case of 39, the correct form is undoubtedly “39th.” Using “39nd” is a common mistake that many people make, but it’s important to understand why this is not the correct form.

To grasp the correct usage of ordinal numbers, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of cardinal numbers. Cardinal numbers are used to indicate quantity or quantity of something, such as “one,” “two,” or in this case, “39.” On the other hand, ordinal numbers are used to give order or position, like “first,” “second,” or “39th.”

Ordinal numbers are created by adding the suffix “-th” to cardinal numbers, with a few exceptions for numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3. Numbers ending in 1 use the suffix “-st,” numbers ending in 2 use the suffix “-nd,” and numbers ending in 3 use the suffix “-rd.” But when it comes to the number 39, we use the common suffix for all numbers greater than 3, which is “-th.”

Let’s look at some examples:

1. We were the 39th couple to arrive at the wedding ceremony.
2. The 39th edition of the book was released last month.
3. He came 39th in the race, just missing out on a medal.

In these examples, notice how we consistently use “39th” to convey the order or position. It’s the correct and expected way to write the ordinal form of the number 39.

Now, you might be wondering why we have this seemingly arbitrary rule for ordinal numbers ending in 1, 2, and 3. Well, it actually goes back to the Old English language and its influence on our modern English rules. In Old English, these suffixes were used more liberally, but over time, they became standardized to fit into the language’s evolving structure.

To further understand why “39nd” is incorrect, let’s imagine a scenario where someone actually wrote it that way. If you were reading a book or a sign that said “39nd,” it would immediately catch your attention as an error. You might question the author’s grasp of the English language, or even doubt the credibility of the information presented. Correct grammar is essential for effective communication, and using the wrong form of ordinal numbers can undermine that.

In conclusion, the correct way to express the ordinal form of the number 39 is “39th.” Using “39nd” is simply incorrect. Remember, ordinal numbers indicate order or position, and to create an ordinal number, we add the suffix “-th” to the cardinal number. So, if you ever come across the number 39 in a context requiring an ordinal form, be sure to use the correct and widely accepted “39th.”