When it comes to English grammar and syntax, there are a number of rules and conventions that can make even the most experienced speakers scratch their heads. One such area of confusion is ordinal numbers, particularly when it comes to determining whether to use “st” or “th” after a number. So, you might be wondering, is it “96th” or “96st”? The answer is quite simple: “96th” is the correct form.
Now, let’s delve deeper into why “96th” is the preferred choice. In English, ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position or order of something in a series. This is different from cardinal numbers, which are used to express quantity or numerical values. Ordinal numbers are typically formed by adding “th” to the end of a cardinal number, as in the case of “96th.”
To understand this better, let’s consider some examples. Imagine you are discussing the finishing positions of participants in a race. You might say, “John came in 1st place, Sara came in 2nd place, and Mark came in 3rd place.” In this context, it is clear that “1st,” “2nd,” and “3rd” are ordinal numbers, denoting the positions of the participants. Similarly, if there were 96 participants in the race and you wanted to talk about the person who finished in the 96th position, you would say, “Jane finished in 96th place.”
It is important to note that the use of “st” or “th” after a number depends on the final digit. Ordinal numbers ending in 1, such as “1st” or “21st,” have “st” added to the end. Numbers ending in 2, 3, or any other digit have “th” added, as in “2nd,” “3rd,” or “96th.” This pattern is consistent and applies to all numbers, regardless of how large or small they may be.
To further illustrate this point, let’s consider some additional examples. Suppose you are organizing a class reunion and preparing name tags for the attendees. You might create tags that read “John 1st,” “Sara 2nd,” and “Mark 3rd.” Similarly, if you have a guest list with 96 names and need to create a tag for the person in the 96th position, you would write “Jane 96th.” This consistent use of ordinal numbers adds clarity and ensures that the correct order or sequence is communicated effectively.
In conclusion, when it comes to determining whether to use “96th” or “96st,” the correct choice is “96th.” This is because “th” is the appropriate suffix for ordinal numbers ending in any digit other than 1. By following this rule, you can confidently express order and position in a clear and grammatically correct manner. So, whether you’re discussing race rankings, academic achievements, or any other situation that involves ordinal numbers, remember to use “th” and leave the “st” behind.