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70th or 70nd – Which is Correct?

Let’s settle the debate once and for all – is it “70th” or “70nd”? I can confidently tell you that the correct form is “70th.” Using “70nd” is grammatically incorrect and not a proper way to indicate the ordinal number for 70. Allow me to explain why.

In English, ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position or order of something in a series. They are formed by adding the suffix “-th” to cardinal numbers, with a few exceptions. For numbers ending in 1, 2, and 3, the suffix changes to “-st,” “-nd,” and “-rd” respectively. This applies to numbers like 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

However, the suffix “-th” is used for all other numbers, including 70. The reason behind this is that once we go beyond 20, the pattern of using “-st,” “-nd,” and “-rd” for the endings no longer applies. Instead, all numbers receive the universal “-th” ending.

Let’s consider some examples to illustrate this point. If we are talking about the 35th day of the year, we write “35th” and not “35nd.” Similarly, when discussing the 50th anniversary of a special event, we use “50th” and not “50nd.” The same logic applies to the number 70. It follows the regular pattern, so we would rightly refer to the 70th edition of a book or the 70th birthday celebration of a loved one.

Using “70nd” would be considered a grammatical error because it doesn’t adhere to the established rules of English. It is important to remember that grammar rules are in place to ensure clear and effective communication. Therefore, it is essential to follow them accurately to convey our ideas precisely.

To further emphasize the incorrectness of “70nd,” let’s consider an analogy. Imagine you are building a house, and you need to attach the 70th brick to the wall. You search for the brick labeled “70nd,” but it doesn’t exist. Instead, you find a brick labeled “70th” and effortlessly add it to the wall. This metaphor illustrates how “70th” is the correct form, readily available and compatible with the existing structure of the English language.

In conclusion, “70th” is the correct and accepted form to indicate the ordinal number of 70. Using “70nd” is a grammatical error and violates the established rules of English. By following the conventional pattern of forming ordinal numbers, we ensure effective communication and adhere to the principles of grammar. So, let’s leave “70nd” behind and embrace the correct form – “70th.”