When it comes to ordinal numbers, it’s important to use the correct suffix to indicate the position of a noun in a series. In the case of the number 45, the question arises: should we say “45th” or “45st”? The answer is quite simple: the correct form is “45th.”
The rule for forming ordinal numbers is fairly straightforward. Most numbers simply need to have the suffix “-th” added to them to indicate their ordinal form. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, and the number 45 is not one of them. It follows the general pattern and should be written as “45th.”
To reinforce this understanding, let’s take a look at some examples of correctly formed ordinal numbers. We have “1st” for first, “2nd” for second, “3rd” for third, “4th” for fourth, and so on. Similarly, we say “10th” for tenth, “20th” for twentieth, “30th” for thirtieth, and “100th” for hundredth. Notice how all these numbers, including those ending in 5 like 45, use the “-th” suffix.
Now, you might be wondering why we don’t use “45st” instead. The reason is that when we write ordinal numbers, we must follow the generally accepted rules of English grammar and usage. In the case of 45, it doesn’t fall into any of the exceptions that would warrant a different form. It’s a regular number that simply requires the suffix “-th” to become an ordinal number.
Using “45st” would not only be grammatically incorrect but also confusing to readers. The “-st” suffix is reserved for ordinal numbers that end in the digits 1 and 3. For example, we say “1st” for first, “31st” for thirty-first, “101st” for one hundred and first, and so on. These numbers follow their own specific rules, but 45 does not fall into this category.
In conclusion, when it comes to expressing the ordinal form of the number 45, we should use “45th” and not “45st.” It’s important to follow the standard grammatical conventions for ordinal numbers. By doing so, we ensure clarity and avoid any confusion for the reader. So, the next time you’re faced with the question of whether to use “45th” or “45st,” remember that the correct form is “45th.”