When it comes to writing dates, one common question that often arises is whether to use the suffix “th” or “rd” after the number 28. Is it 28th or 28rd? To answer this question, we must understand the rules of English grammar and the conventions of date formatting.
The correct form is “28th.” The ordinal suffix “th” is used to indicate that a number is expressing a position in a series or an order. In the case of the number 28, the “th” suffix denotes that it is the twenty-eighth day of the month.
To further illustrate this point, let’s take a look at some examples:
1. “Today is the 28th of February.” In this sentence, the word “28th” explicitly states that it is the twenty-eighth day of the month.
2. “My birthday is on the 28th of May.” Here, the use of “28th” communicates that the person’s birthday falls on the twenty-eighth day of May.
3. “They arrived on the 28th.” In this sentence, “28th” implies that the individuals reached their destination on the twenty-eighth day, giving a specific reference point in time.
By using the “th” suffix, we apply the correct grammar rule for expressing dates as ordinal numbers.
On the other hand, the term “28rd” is incorrect. The “rd” suffix is used to indicate the ordinal form for numbers ending in 3, such as 3rd, 23rd, or 103rd. The rule for numbers ending in 2, like 2nd or 22nd, follows the same pattern.
To emphasize this point, let’s consider some examples with correct usage:
1. “He came in 3rd place in the race.” Here, the “rd” suffix denotes the position in which the person finished, which is third.
2. “The 23rd chapter of the book is particularly interesting.” In this sentence, the “23rd” chapter is referring to the twenty-third chapter of the book, again indicating a position within a sequence.
3. “She was the 102nd person in line.” Using “102nd” specifies her place in the line as one-hundred-second, highlighting her position.
In all of these examples, the correct ordinal suffixes are used to convey the position or order of the numbers. Therefore, using “28th” instead of “28rd” aligns with the rules of English grammar and date formatting conventions.
In conclusion, when expressing the twenty-eighth day of the month as an ordinal number, the correct form is “28th.” The use of the “th” suffix is consistent with the rules of English grammar, indicating a position in a series or an order. On the other hand, “28rd” is an incorrect form. Remember, precision in language matters, and using the correct ordinal suffix will ensure effective communication in both written and spoken English. So, next time you encounter the question of whether it is 28th or 28rd, you can confidently choose the right form and avoid any confusion.