When it comes to ordinal numbers, there can be some confusion as to how to correctly write them. Is it “78nd” or “78th”? In this article, I will explain the correct usage of ordinal numbers and provide examples to help clarify any doubts.
Firstly, let’s address the incorrect option: “78nd.” The suffix “nd” is used for cardinal numbers, which denote quantity or the number itself. For instance, you would say “78 books,” not “78nd books.” Therefore, using “78nd” to express an ordinal number is incorrect and not in line with standard grammar rules.
The correct option is “78th” for expressing the ordinal number corresponding to 78. When we add the suffix “-th” to a cardinal number, we are indicating the position or order of an item in a series or sequence. For instance, “78th” would represent the 78th item in a list.
Let’s take a look at some examples to further illustrate this point:
1. John finished in the 78th place in the marathon.
2. The 78th chapter of the book explores the protagonist’s transformation.
3. Sarah’s presentation was the 78th of the day.
4. The 78th day of the year is usually in March.
5. It was the 78th time she had visited that museum.
In each of these examples, we are indicating a specific position or order within a series or sequence. By using “78th,” we are able to convey this information accurately and effectively.
Now, you may be wondering why we use the “-th” suffix instead of “-nd.” The reason is that the form of ordinal numbers in English can vary. For the numbers from 4 to 20, as well as for the numbers ending in “0,” “th” is used. Examples include “4th,” “11th,” and “50th.” For numbers ending in “1,” “2,” and “3,” however, we use “st,” “nd,” and “rd” respectively. For instance, we say “1st” for first, “2nd” for second, and “3rd” for third.
To further emphasize this point, let’s consider the following analogy: If you were participating in a race and finished in third place, you would proudly say, “I came in 3rd place,” not “I came in 3nd place.” The same logic applies to the ordinal number 78; it should be written as “78th.”
In conclusion, the correct way to express the ordinal number corresponding to 78 is “78th.” The use of “78nd” is grammatically incorrect as it does not follow the rules of ordinal numbers. By using the correct form, we can effectively communicate the position or order of an item in a series or sequence. So, the next time you want to write about the 78th item, remember to use “78th” and write with confidence!