When it comes to ordinal numbers, there can be some confusion about the correct format. Many people find themselves scratching their heads over whether it should be written as 42nd or 42th. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of ordinal numbers and why 42nd is the correct form.
Ordinal numbers are used to show the position or order of something in a series. They typically end with the suffix “-th,” which signifies that we are referring to a position rather than a quantity.
In the case of the number 42, when we want to indicate that it is the 42nd position, we add the suffix “-nd” to the end of the number. This is the standard suffix used for ordinal numbers between 20 and 99. For example, we say “42nd” for forty-second, “43rd” for forty-third, “44th” for forty-fourth, and so on.
To understand why we use “-nd” instead of “-th,” let’s take a closer look at the pattern of ordinal number suffixes. For most numbers, we use “-th” as the suffix: first, fifth, tenth, twentieth, etc. However, when the number ends with a digit between 4 and 9, we use the suffix “-th” for the majority of numbers, but we use “-nd” for numbers ending with a digit between 2 and 3. For instance, we say “42nd” for forty-second, “53rd” for fifty-third, “64th” for sixty-fourth, and so on.
This pattern can be observed in other numbers as well. We say “21st” for twenty-first, “32nd” for thirty-second, “83rd” for eighty-third, and “94th” for ninety-fourth. As you can see, the “-nd” suffix is consistently used for numbers ending with 2 and 3, while the “-th” suffix is used for the rest.
So, why do we use “-nd” instead of “-th” for 42? The reason is rooted in the historical development of the English language. The suffix “-nd” comes from the Old English word “-otha,” which was commonly used for ordinal numbers. Over time, this word evolved into “-th” for most numbers, but the exception remained for numbers ending with 2 and 3.
Now that we have established that 42nd is the correct form, let’s look at some examples of how it is used in sentences:
1. The 42nd president of the United States was Bill Clinton.
2. She finished in the 42nd place in the marathon.
3. This is the 42nd edition of the magazine.
By using 42nd in these examples, we indicate the specific position or order of the subject in question. If we were to use 42th instead, it would not only be grammatically incorrect but could also lead to misunderstandings or confusion.
In conclusion, when it comes to ordinal numbers, such as 42, the correct form is 42nd. The suffix “-nd” is used for numbers ending with 2 and 3, while the “-th” suffix is used for the majority of other numbers. By using 42nd, we adhere to the established rules of English grammar and ensure clarity in our communication.