When it comes to ordinal numbers, it is crucial to use the correct form in order to convey the intended meaning accurately. In the case of “72nd” and “72th,” it is important to know which one is correct to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. Fortunately, the answer is simple – “72nd” is the correct form.
To understand why “72nd” is the correct ordinal number, let’s break it down. In English, when we express a number as an ordinal, we add the ending “-th” to the cardinal number. For example, “one” becomes “first,” “two” becomes “second,” and so on. This rule applies to most ordinal numbers, including “seventy-two,” which becomes “seventy-second” when expressed as an ordinal. However, in everyday conversation and writing, we commonly shorten “seventy-second” to “72nd” for brevity and simplicity.
Using “72th” as an ordinal number would be a grammatical mistake. This is because the correct ordinal ending for the number “72” is “-nd,” not “-th.” The ending “-nd” is used for ordinal numbers ending in “two,” “three,” “four,” “twenty,” “thirty,” and so on. For instance, we say “twenty-second,” “thirty-third,” and “fourth.” Therefore, the correct form for the ordinal number for 72 is “72nd.”
To further illustrate the correct usage of “72nd,” let’s consider some examples:
1. John finished in 72nd place in the race.
Here, “72nd” is used to express John’s position in the race. It clearly indicates that John finished in the 72nd place.
2. The 72nd anniversary of their company will be celebrated next month.
In this example, “72nd” is used to denote the anniversary, indicating that it is the 72nd year since the company was founded.
3. We are hosting a 72nd birthday party for my grandmother.
In this sentence, “72nd” is used to describe the birthday celebration. It shows that it is the 72nd birthday of the speaker’s grandmother.
In each of these examples, “72nd” is used correctly to indicate a position, an anniversary, or a birthday. These examples demonstrate how using the incorrect form “72th” would lead to confusion and incorrect meaning if used instead of “72nd.”
In conclusion, the correct ordinal form for the number 72 is “72nd.” This form follows the established rules of English grammar and accurately conveys the intended meaning. By using “72nd” instead of the incorrect form “72th,” we can avoid confusion and ensure clear communication. Remember, when it comes to ordinal numbers, using the correct form is essential for accurate expression.