When it comes to ordinal numbers, many English learners often find themselves confused about which suffix to use: -th, -st, -nd, or -rd. Specifically, the question of whether to use “55th” or “55nd” can be particularly puzzling. But fear not! as well as an IELTS tutor, I’m here to shed light on this matter and help you understand the correct usage. So, let’s dive in!
The suffixes -th, -st, -nd, and -rd are used to express ordinal numbers in English. The most common one is -th, which is added to numbers greater than 3 (except for those ending in 11, 12, and 13). For example, we say “5th” for “fifth,” “10th” for “tenth,” and so on. However, when it comes to numbers ending in 1, 2, and 3, we use the suffixes -st, -nd, and -rd, respectively. For instance, we say “1st” for “first,” “2nd” for “second,” and “3rd” for “third.”
Now, let’s get back to the question at hand: “55th” or “55nd?” The correct version is “55th.” Why? Well, since 55 ends in a digit greater than 3, we need to use the -th suffix. It doesn’t matter whether the number is 55 or any other number; if it ends in a digit greater than 3, we always use -th. Therefore, “55th” is the appropriate and grammatically correct way to express the ordinal number for 55.
To further solidify this rule, let’s examine a few more examples. How would you express the ordinal numbers for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 100? You would say “1st” for first, “2nd” for second, “3rd” for third, “4th” for fourth, and “100th” for one hundredth. Notice that we always use -th, except for numbers 1, 2, and 3 where we use -st, -nd, and -rd respectively. This consistent pattern should help clarify any doubts you may have had.
It’s crucial to remember that ordinal numbers are used to convey the order or position of something in a series. For instance, you might say, “She finished in 5th place,” or “The 32nd edition of the book was just released.” The correct usage of ordinal numbers is essential in various contexts, such as giving directions, ranking, dates, and more.
In conclusion, when it comes to the choice between “55th” or “55nd,” the correct option is “55th.” This aligns with the general rule of using -th for numbers greater than 3, while using -st, -nd, and -rd for numbers 1, 2, and 3 respectively. By understanding and applying this rule, you can confidently express ordinal numbers correctly in English. So, whether you’re taking the IELTS exam or simply striving for clear and accurate communication, make sure to remember this fundamental aspect of English grammar.