When it comes to writing numbers, confusion can often arise. One common dilemma is whether to use “83rd” or “83nd” in a sentence. The answer is quite simple: “83rd” is the correct form. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind this and explore some examples to solidify our understanding.
To begin with, ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position or order of something in a series. These numbers are formed by adding “-th” to the end of a cardinal number (in this case, “83”). This rule applies to most numbers, with notable exceptions being numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3. For these cases, we use “-st,” “-nd,” and “-rd” respectively.
Now, you might be wondering why “83” doesn’t fall into the exception category. The reason lies in the pronunciation. Ordinal numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3 are written with the respective “-st,” “-nd,” or “-rd” endings because these endings match the final sounds in their names. For instance, “first” ends with a “t” sound, “second” ends with a “d” sound, and “third” ends with a “d” sound as well. However, “eighty-third” ends with a “th” sound, not a “d” or “t” sound. Hence, we use the regular “-th” ending to spell the ordinal form of “83” as “83rd.”
Let’s take a look at some examples to illustrate this further:
1. My grandfather is celebrating his 83rd birthday tomorrow.
2. The 83rd episode of the TV series aired last night.
3. She finished in 83rd place in the marathon.
In these sentences, we are indicating the particular position or order of an event or object. By using “83rd,” we convey the specific meaning and avoid any misunderstanding.
Now, you might argue that “83nd” would make sense since “2nd” ends in the same “-nd” pattern. However, it’s important to note that “2nd” is an exception to the “-nd” rule itself. While the reason for this exception is unknown, it’s crucial to understand that it only applies to “2nd” and not other numbers.
In conclusion, when expressing the ordinal form of the number 83, it is grammatically correct to use “83rd.” This adherence to grammar rules ensures clarity and avoids any confusion when conveying the order or position of something. Remember to use the “-th” ending for most numbers, and only make exceptions for those that end in 1, 2, or 3. With this knowledge, you can confidently write “83rd” in any sentence without hesitation.