When it comes to expressing ordinal numbers, many people find themselves second-guessing the correct usage. It’s not uncommon to stumble upon a confusion between “84th” and “84rd.” So, which one is correct? Let’s learn the intricacies of ordinal numbers and examine some examples to demystify this conundrum.
Firstly, let’s understand what ordinal numbers represent. They are used to show the position or order of something in a sequence, such as ranking, placement, or even time. In English, ordinal numbers are formed by adding “-th” to the cardinal numbers, except for numbers ending in 1, 2, and 3. For those numbers, we use different suffixes – “st,” “nd,” and “rd,” respectively.
Now, the number 84 falls under the category of numbers that end in a digit other than 1, 2, or 3. Therefore, the correct form is “84th.” This means that 84th is the appropriate way to express the number 84 in an ordinal sense. Let’s look at a couple of examples to reinforce this understanding.
1. “He finished in the 84th place in the race.” – Here, we are indicating the position in a race where someone finished. The use of “84th” clarifies the specific rank achieved by the individual.
2. “The 84th episode of the TV series aired last night.” – This example demonstrates the order in which episodes were released. By using “84th,” we pinpoint the episode number and create a clear reference for viewers.
But what about the alternative “84rd”? Despite the appealing symmetry it might bring, it is an incorrect formation in English. We only use “rd” for numbers ending in 3, like “3rd,” “13th,” “23rd,” and so on. Therefore, “84rd” violates the established rule and grammatical convention.
To further grasp the significance of this distinction, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario. Imagine a staff meeting where various employees are presenting their ideas. The manager asks for feedback from the 84rd person. The moment this error is uttered, confusion and uncertainty fill the room. The intended meaning becomes ambiguous, and the speaker’s credibility may even be called into question.
To avoid such misunderstandings and maintain linguistic accuracy, it is crucial to adhere to the correct form. Employing “84th” instead of “84rd” ensures clarity, consistency, and effective communication. I often emphasize the importance of precision and accuracy in language usage, and this is a prime example of why it matters.
In conclusion, the proper ordinal form for the number 84 is “84th.” Using “84rd” would be incorrect, as it violates established English grammar rules. Remember, ordinal numbers indicate order or position in a sequence, and when it comes to forming them, consistency is key. So, the next time you find yourself in a dilemma between “84th” or “84rd,” you can confidently choose the former, knowing that you have grasped this aspect of English grammar with finesse.