When it comes to the number that comes after thirteen and before fifteen, many people find themselves in a bit of a conundrum. Is it spelled as fourteen or fourten? The answer is simple – the correct spelling is fourteen. Let’s dive into the reasons why and explore some examples to illustrate this point.
First and foremost, the word “fourteen” is the accepted and standard English spelling for the number 14. It is widely used in everyday conversations, academic writing, and formal communication. From a grammatical standpoint, “fourteen” follows the general rule of number words ending in “-teen,” such as thirteen, fifteen, and so on. These words are structured by adding “teen” to the base number. For instance, we say “thir” plus “teen” to create thirteen or “fif” plus “teen” to create fifteen. Similarly, we say “four” plus “teen” to create the correct spelling – fourteen.
To further illustrate this, let’s explore some examples where the word “fourten” would be incorrect. Imagine you are counting the number of books on your desk, and you want to let someone know that there are 14 books. You would say, “There are fourteen books on my desk” – using the correct spelling. Using “fourten” in this context would be grammatically incorrect and would confuse the listener or reader.
Additionally, when telling someone your age, you would say “I am fourteen years old,” not “I am fourten years old.” Following the standard spelling rule for numbers, we use “fourteen” to accurately communicate our age. Employing “fourten” in this scenario would not only sound awkward but would also make you appear less proficient in English.
Furthermore, it is important to note that the Oxford English Dictionary, the definitive guide to the English language, does not recognize “fourten” as a valid word. This dictionary is widely regarded as the authority on English language and usage, so it is essential to abide by its standards. By using “fourteen,” you align yourself with the accepted spelling in the English language.
In conclusion, “fourteen” is the correct spelling for the number 14. It follows the established grammatical rule for numbers ending in “-teen.” Using “fourten” is not only grammatically incorrect but also unrecognized by trusted language authorities like the Oxford English Dictionary. So next time you find yourself questioning the appropriate spelling, remember that “fourteen” is the only correct choice.